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Problem Statement: The Inferential Qualities (IQ) application will sometimes show the letter 'p', 'u', and/or 'a' beside its name when viewing either
the PCWS > Online > Overview page,
the PCWS > Online > Manage page, or
in the desktop tool APCManage.
What do these letters mean and how to fix it? | Solution: Each IQ runs two processes: the bias update process and the prediction process. If you open up Task Manager > Details tab and add a column for command line, you will be able to see two tasks called iqp_main.exe for each inferential and the command line will tell you which IQ and which process is running for it.
In this example, the IQ Refinery is running without issues and has two iqp_main.exe tasks for it:
pred for the prediction process
bias for the bias update process
Screenshot of Task Manager > Details page:
In the case when the Prediction process is not running and the Bias Update process is running, you will see a 'u' appear beside the name of the IQ in APCManage. The 'u' stands for Update and indicates that only the bias update process is running.
Similarly, if only the Prediction process was running and Bias Update process was not running, you will see a 'p' appear beside the name of the IQ. If both processes are running properly, then there will be no letter beside the name.
If the IQ is configured to be Auto-Start, then you will see an 'A' beside the name on the PCWS Online Overview page. This is not an issue, just an indication.
In the case where there is a 'u' or 'p', that means one of the IQ processes did not run properly.
Solution
Using either APCManage or PCWS Manage, stop the IQ application process and then start it again. Check Task Manager > Details tab to verify that both iqp_main.exe tasks are started for the inferential.
Another reSolution found for this issue has been renaming the IQ application.
Root causes and Prevention:
The failure of a process can occur if the IQ is set for auto-start but the application was not shut down properly before the machine was rebooted so it did not start both tasks up properly after the reboot. Best practice would be to manually stop the application process before a machine reboot.
Another cause can sometimes be license configuration issue if Broadcasting is enabled. Please open the aspenONE SLM License Manager > Configuration module > open Advanced Settings dropdown > and verify that Enable Broadcasting is not selected. If it is checked, please uncheck this box and click 'Apply Changes'. If connecting to a license server, whether on the same machine or on a remote machine, the Enable Broadcasting feature should not be selected. This will restrict the machine to only look for the license servers configured in the SLM Configuration Wizard.
Keywords: IQ, prediction, bias, update, process, u, p, name, manage, apcmanage, pcws, not, running
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are some of the potential issues seen when performing EO synchronization in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: Please see potential issues which users may see when performing EO synchronization:
Users may see the message below when EO synchronization occurs:
This occurs because HYSYS allows automatic phase dropping. When this option is enabled, HYSYS automatically adjusts the allowed phases in each flash associated with a block (outlet flash, mixed inlet flash, dew or bubble point flash) if any phases are missing at initialization.
To prevent the appearance of this message, set the appropriate valid phases for each feed stream on the Equation Oriented tab | Options page, and for each block in its Valid phases field(s).
It is also possible to suppress the phase-dropping feature by setting Phases to Use all on the Additional Equation Oriented Options form. This is not recommended unless the EOSolutions are being driven into superheated or subcooled regions (where phases would exist that are being suppressed by the phase-dropping feature). More on this is discussed in the EO Options topic.
Users may also see a warning message regarding liquid compositions being identical:
This happens when Vapor-liquid-liquid calculations are specified when conditions are far into the single-liquid phase region, and EO cannot drop the extra phase.
Normally, setting Phases to Remove missing on the Additional Equation Oriented Options form will allow the phase to be dropped at synchronization. If the phase is not dropped at synchronization, it cannot be dropped during the EOSolution.
Another warning appears in some cases due to incorrect use of the Remove components or Phases EO Options:
If the variable referenced by the calculator block is associated with a zero-flow component or phase, it may be removed by these options, and thus not available when the EO version of the Calculator tries to connect to it. There can also be cases where related variables are deleted. For instance, if you are trying to access a component flow specification in a unit operation when all flow of that component is in one outlet stream, the component may be deleted in the other outlet stream, and since the flow specification is now meaningless, it will be deleted as well.
To fix this problem, select the Equation Oriented tab | Options page of the unit operation containing the accessed variable, and perform either or both of the following tasks, as appropriate:
For Remove components, select Never.
Click Additional Options. From the Phases drop-down list, select Use all.
When synchronizing the EO problem, one or several copies of this message appear, where (name) is a different EO variable name in each message:
This is caused by poorly chosen names for streams, components, and other names that get incorporated into EO variable names cause the names of two EO variables to conflict. When this happens, a message like the one above appears during synchronization for each conflicting variable name and attempts to access one of the conflicting variables will always access the first variable created with this name.
The following message appears when attempting to switch to Equation Oriented calculations:
The EO model creates variables that include the IDs of components. Some characters have special meanings and cannot be used in variable names; see EO Variable Naming Conventions for details. Some of these characters are allowed in component IDs for sequential modular calculations but are not allowed in EO. Notably, the asterisk (*) may appear in the default names for certain components generated from component names or aliases (as with the hydrates in the above example).
Please provide different component IDs for these components which do not use these characters.
Key Words:
Aspen HYSYS, EO synchronization, Equation Oriented
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: In case OPC DA server is not available, Is it possible to collect real time data from OPC HDA server directly?
Does Aspen CIM-IO support OPC HDA to collect real time data? | Solution: The OPC HDA Servers and OPC DA Servers exposes process values from different set of interfaces.
Cim-IO is designed to read History Values from the OPC HDA Server only for disconnected interval, I.E., either when the interface was not running, or the connection with the OPC DA Server was lost.
Cim-IO always reads the current process values from the interfaces exposed by the OPC DA Server. It is not designed to read current process values using the OPC HDA Server Interface.
So the answer to the question is no, CIM-IO doesn't support OPC HDA to collect real time data.
However, You can use ADSA (Process data for OPC-HDA) + CIM-IO for Process data interface to collect real time data from OPC HDA interface.
KB 100164 provides you an example for the utilization of CIM-IO for Process Data interface.
Key words:
DA
HDA
OPC DA
OPC HDA
Process Data
CIM-IO
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can we differentiate Aspen HYSYS Dynamics and Aspen HYSYS Dynamics run-time? | Solution: Very often , the users gets confused about the usage of Aspen HYSYS Dynamics and run-time. This KB Article will discuss about the basic differences between Aspen HYSYS Dynamics and Aspen HYSYS Dynamics run-time.
Aspen HYSYS Dynamics is a dynamic process simulation software that has been integrated into Aspen HYSYS, making it easy to convert your steady-state simulation into a dynamic simulation to study time-dependent processes.
Aspen HYSYS Dynamics run-time is intended to be used for Operator Training Systems (OTS). If you use Aspen Operator Training (AOT) for an OTS and want to use HYSYS Dynamics, you can activate the run time mode within AOT.
The normal procedure to use HYSYS dynamics run-time is to create the model in Aspen HYSYS dynamics and use Run time to run the model in OTS. You therefore need to have Aspen HYSYS dynamics to create and make changes to the model. If you don't have Aspen HYSYS dynamics and you only have Run time, then you should be able only to run the model and not be allowed to make changes.
If you would like to make changes in Aspen HYSYS dynamics, then you can change any input that you want such as pressure, flow, temperature, valve opening, control setup, etc.. and the changes will be taken by OTS.
Keywords: HYSYS Dynamics, Run-Time, OTS,AOT
References: s
https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000050014 |
Problem Statement: This Tutorial described the steps to set up multiple AspenWatch Servers Connection to a PCWS Web Server. | Solution: PCWS can support the connection of multiple AspenWatch Servers Running different Controllers. These connections are normally done using different Data Sources that have configured the appropriate services. These services can send the information from the AWServer (IP21 Database) to PCWS using TCP/IP protocol. This basically means that the only fields that need to be configured are the IP21 Server name (or the IP21 that will provide the information) and the specific port required by the service (normally are set by default when the service is selected from the list). The best practice in any case for PCWS-AW connection would be to set up the ADSA Server on the AW and use PCWS as the Client. This would mean that the primary Data Source needs to be configured on the AW Server as a Public Data Source and then set up another Datasource on the Web Server pointing to the AW Server.
The attached PDF file. Contains an example of how this configuration can be properly set up
Keywords: AspenWatch, ADSA, PCWS.
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article described how a Dataset File (CLC or txt) can be saved or imported to excel from DMC3, DMCplus, and IQ Desktop Applications | Solution: A CLC file is typically a file that collects MV and CV information that can be used in DMC3, DMCplus, and IQ for Identification purposes. These files are normally external files obtained by different means. However, the APC desktop application allows also the creation of different file types such as CLC, VEC, etc. that can be imported into other applications for further use.
In this case, we will check how the information from these Files can be imported into Excel.
CLC files are basically txt files and an easy way to manage them is basically to change the file extension to TXT. Some steps are listed below:
1.- Create a copy of your clc file and change the extension to txt.
2.- In Excel go to Data, and then from Get & Transform Data select from text/csv. Once the File is specified select Import
You may have to follow a couple of import steps depending on the Excel version that you are working with. But once is complete you should be able to see your data in the excel file.
The clc file are not really configured to show information in different columns but by applying a couple of filters and commands you should be able to separate the data. This same procedure can be used for vec. Filed and dpv. Files
In IQ Model depends on the information that you need to extract but, normally the drop-down menus give the option to save data as txt. Once you have those files you can import them in excel following the same steps.
After importing in Excel
Keywords: CLC File, Excel, IQModel , DMC3
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article describes a simple way to add new IODevices for the collection of Misc/PID Tags from AspenWatch Maker. | Solution: To add a new device you can follow the next steps:
1.- You can add a new device on AspenWatch by modifying the CIMIO_LOGICAL_DEVICE.def file located on the following URL:
C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\CIM-IO\etc
if you check the list on AW Maker and compare it to the list on the CIMIO_LOGICAL_DEVICES.def. you will see the available list of devices.
2.- To edit the file follow the next steps:
Save a local copy of the current file. This is done to keep a backup and roll back in case is necessary.
Run as Administrator a Notepad and open the file going to C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\CIM-IO\etc (make sure to change the extension to ALL FILES)
Then you can modify the text file manually, the CIMIO_LOGICAL_DEVICE.def require basically three things on each Column: DEVICE_NAME CIMIO_SERVER CIMIO_DLGP
A Simple way to modify the file is just to copy one of the lines and just modify the DEVICE_NAME for example in this case I will create 5 new devices using the line for IODEVICE1
Then save the file.
Close and Open AWMaker to refresh all changes and this time you should be able to see the new devices.
A couple of additional notes:
1.- Normally you can use the same Server name for all IODEVICES# because they will be pointing to the same CIMIO Server
2.- About the DLGP this case can be different from IODEVICE#. It is worth checking the file and checking if all devices can use the same DLPG or if a new DLPG needs to be created. The IODEVICES normally are split for better handling of the tags network traffic. But if all IODEVICES are running with the same DLGP then only requires adding a new device.
3.- You can test the device before proceeding to use it on AW Maker using the Test API utility
Keywords: AspenWatch, IODevice, Misc Tags
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to get rid off the following error message appinit.dll is either missing or unregistered when launching the software? | Solution: In order to get rid off the following error message appinit.dll is either missing or unregistered”:
Please make sure that IT team unblock or whitelist appinit.dll as well the AspenTech shared folder through its security applications. As well have them register that DLL.
In summary, please make sure that the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\ has the file appinit.dll. If the file is indeed there, do the following:
1. Open a DOS window as administrator
2. Run the command
regsvr32.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\appinit.dll
3. Try running Aspen application again
Keywords: SLM, appinit.dll, Missing, Unregistered
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to specify the discharge pressure when it is calculated in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: In reality the compressor discharges to a system of a certain backpressure. But with the inlet stream specified and the compressor geometry input, the discharge pressure is calculated.
In order to fix the discharge pressure, from the mixer Design/Parameters, change to 'Set Outlet to Lowest inlet' option, then user can adjust compressor discharge pressure.
'Equalize all' option equalize all the inlet pressure when only one stream is defined. You need to change the option to Set Outlet to Lowest inlet' which follows lowest inlet stream's pressure.
Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Discharge Pressure, Lowest Inlet
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the data generated in Aspen OptiPlant 3D sizing for the structures and piping racks? | Solution: Aspen OptiPlant 3D layout can calculate and propose structural member sizes for the pipe racks. The structural member sizing report generated from Aspen OptiPlant comprises of the following details:
Proposed cross section of transverse beam member
Proposed cross section of column member
Total Load on the transverse beam
Total load on all tiers
The structure member sizing will generate a report with the name 'StructuralMemberSizing' in Excel format inside the working project folder.
This report will have two worksheets named Column and Beams:
Column Worksheet will display the load on columns.
Beam Worksheet will display the load on beams.
Aspen OptiPlant 3D layout can automatically generate the structure MTO and the floor MTO for the structures and platforms. A structure material takes off report that lists the total volume, weight of all the structures and floors modelled in the layout along with the cross-sectional information.
Keywords: MTO, member sizes, structures, pipe racks, beams, columns
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to share an AUP Model to AUS using a Site Catalog? | Solution: To share the model, you will have to create a Site Catalog, which will serve as a bridge. From your AUP model, go to Model Data>Site Catalog then connect to a site catalog.
Select New Catalog, define a name and click on connect.
Then, click on Go to Site Catalog. Start by selecting the Modes you want to publish to your site catalog.
AU will guide you on the incomplete information with a red icon
Go to the sections with a red icon. Analyze the properties, correlations, materials, and assets you want to take to your AUS model. Remember everything in blue can be modified. Keep in mind there are some Catalog Requirements for names and abbreviations. The rules for Publishing planning model data to Catalog are
Avoid special characters
The Site Catalog is not case sensitive
Properties, materials, and utilities should not share abbreviations
Do not change names after publishing
Name is the key, but abbreviations must also be unique
Scheduling Crude Modes must be the same as planning crude modes
Once you are ready, you can bulk select them and publish them,
Repeat these steps for each section with missing information. Finally, return to the Modes section and now you will be able to publish them.
Add a comment and click okay.
Go back to the homepage and create a new AUS model. Connect it to your Site Catalog.
If you go to the Flowsheet> Add Flowsheet Components> Site Catalog, you will see the Distillation Modes we just published to the Site Catalog.
Keywords: AUP, AUS, planning, scheduling, site catalog, share, distillation modes, publish
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the correct steps to install CP3 for AUP? | Solution: Before we start make sure you have the next:
Access to admin right on the application server
An account for our support site. If you don’t have it, you can register here with your corporate email: AspenTech Support Center: User Registration
Sufficient rights to modify your Input DB
Now follow the next steps:
Go to your localhost or in other words, the server where you installed AUP or your application server.
Make sure you log in using an Administrator account or an account that is in the Administrators group.
Check that no AspenTech applications are running. Note: since this is a web application, it is not enough to simply close AUP, the service must be stopped.
Go to Services from the application service
Stop the Aspen Unified Agent Supervisor Service by right clicking it.
Now, from the application service go to aspenONE Update Agent.
You can follow this KB to use the Update Agent: AspenTech: Knowledge Base, here is where you will need an account to our Support Site.
Then you will need to migrate your Input DB
Run command prompt as administrator from the applications server with the AUP service from step 3 still off. If you have the standard installation, then AUP will be in the C: drive so you will have to write this line:
Cd C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Unified\Admin\binX64 [click enter]
If is not, please go to your correct path, it is usually just the drive letter that differs.
You will get back the text in green and you will write the text in blue
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Unified\Admin\binX64> pscadmin migrate-input-db --databaseServer yourdatabaseServer --databaseName YourInputDB [click enter]
Where the text on this blue will be replaced with your actual server’s name and InputDB’s name.
If you have a Catalog DB (you can check this in SQL) then you can use a similar procedure with the next line
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Unified\Admin\binX64> pscadmin migrate-catalog-db -- databaseServer yourdatabaseServer --databaseName YourCatalogDB [click enter]
Finally, restart the Aspen Unified Agent Supervisor Service.
Keywords: AUP, patch, CP2, CP3, input DB, migration, required
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to add new roles in AUP? | Solution: From the Home Page, click on Roles, then on the plus button on the right. You can assign Administrator or Creator Site Roles here. You can also remove them by clicking on the cross or change them by double clicking on the Roles cell and selecting the desired role from the drop-down.
Here’s what each of them can do,
Role Responsibility
Administrator Can configure Administrators and Creators. Server-level permission. Implies all other permissions. NT administrators on the server automatically have full application rights. Specifically, administrators can do the following:
Manage Site Privileges
Manage Model Privileges/roles
Create Model
Delete Model
Edit Model
View Model
Copy Model
Create Snapshot
Import Snapshot
Migrate Models
Creator Server-level permission. Creators can do the following:
Create Model
Copy Model
Import Snapshot
Migrate Models
Can assign Case Only Author model role
Next, if you want to assign roles to a particular model, go to the Models tab on top and select the model that you want on the drop-down menu. Keep in mind that each role includes all permissions at the lower levels and a user can have multiple roles. If a model role has not been assigned, the model will not be visible on the user's model list. You can also remove them by clicking on the cross or change them by double clicking on the Roles cell and selecting the desired role from the drop-down.
Role Description
Owner Can create data sources in a specific model and can associate multiple data sources to projects. Can delete a model and change user permissions.
Can create asset groups and case sets. Has full permission to add, replace or amend cases and can set case run permissions for lower levels.
Author Can publish views in a model for other users to see. Can create public layouts for a project. Layouts include flowsheets and unit data views.
Can only add new cases if granted permission by an owner.
Case Only Author Only applicable for AUP and Supply Chain models.
This role can:
View Base model information.
Perform delete, edit and addition associated with Case Management, Case Sets and Parametric Analysis.
Create submodel calculations.
Configure Work Areas for Base Model.
Create submodel simulations.
This role cannot:
Edit the Base Model inputs; modification of any information, including submodel coefficients, purchase and sales information etc. is not allowed.
Promote case changes to a Base Model if you only have Case Only Author permission on the Base Model.
Modify unit locations on the Flowsheet; movement of units around the flowsheet is not allowed.
Connect to or publish to a Site Catalog.
Viewer Can only open and view a model.
Flowsheet layouts, if applicable, are locked; user will not be able to move units around the flowsheet.
Viewers cannot create text annotations.
Keywords: AUP, roles, users, permissions, privileges
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I export table CASE from AUP and try to reimport it, I get the error: “No spreadsheet with valid tables were found. Check for table formatting errors. Tables must follow PIMS formatting rules” even when I make no changes to the table. | Solution: The reason you are not being able to import the Excel file without troubles is that when you export table CASE from AUP it will always uses a long tag format. Hence, when you export table CASE to do some changes and then reimported, make sure to not use the Data sheets use PIMS short tag format.
Keywords: Import, export, CASE, AUP, formatting errors, invalid tables
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I share crudes in Aspen Assay Manager? | Solution: To share your crudes in AAM with your colleagues you can follow the next steps.
Open Assay Manager.
Go to the Library tab on the Left Lower Hand Side Menu
Click on Manage Custom Libraries on the Top Menu
Check the path where your libraries are saved. They are usually here: c:\users\[your name]\appdata\local\aspentech\aspen assay management\v12.1\[your library name]. You can click on the triangle pointing downwards from the Path search box to copy the path.
Share the .aal file and have someone use it with the next steps. Save the .aal file on this path from your File Explorer.
Back on AAM, click on Add and Browse for the .aal file we have saved. (It could be on another path, but it is not recommended it to avoid someone deleting it by mistake).
Now you will see it in the Assay Library section with the number of crudes in your library, in this example, 1.
If you want to use it, go to Model assays| New Assay| Import from Library and filter the crudes by selecting the library you have just added on Select library.
Select the crude and click on Add and you will see the Characterized crude on the left.
Keywords: AAM, Aspen Assay Manager, share, crude, characterized
References: None |
Problem Statement: I got an error that pointed me to a log file with the next or similar message, how can I fix it?
Exception Message: Too many rows (65537): The maximum number of rows supported by this file format is 65537 | Solution: There is a maximum of 65536 rows for .xls excel files. Fortunately, .xlsx files can take up to 1,048,576 rows. Right-click Model Settings| Output Spreadsheet Extension| .xlsx
Keep in mind that this setting can be different for the same model but running in DR and AO.
Keywords: 65537, max rows, .xls, xlsx, exception message
References: None |
Problem Statement: AspenOnline.exe suddenly does not respond and Aspen online GUI for project cannot be accessed. | Solution: The root cause is a corrupted Configv10.MDB file in the online project folder. Please try the following:
Stop Data Server (it will stop engine as well)
Go to the project folder Replace the corrupted Configv10.MDB with new copy.
Perform consistency check to see whether it picks up any error.
Open AspenOnline and the AOL Project GUI normally.
Note: Starting with V11, we switched from Access Database (*.mdb) to SQL Express (*.mdf) to support 64-bit effort for V11. For Access database, we only need one file for each database (e.g., ConfigV10.mdb). For SQL Express, we need two files (*.MDF and *_log.ldf) for each database.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the layout rules for equipment spacing in Aspen OptiPlant? | Solution: In Aspen OptiPlant 3D, the feature called plot-plan layout rules or equipment layout rules enable you to check for the spacing between any objects modelled for the confirmation against their project’s safety and maintenance standards. Aspen OptiPlant checks for the spacing between the equipment and structures placed in the plot plan as per the PIP standard values for equipment spacing. These PIP standard spacing rules are provided in the EquipSpacing_Units.CSV file.
The standard values must be double-checked depending on the project requirements. As soon as new model is started/opened, an excel file with the name EquipSpacing_Units is automatically placed inside the project folder. The Excel file has all the details of the categories and minimum spacing values as shown below:
Minimum equipment spacing chart is provided with OptiPlant. Users can modify this spacing chart for their project. Spacing chart can be used to visually check spacing during the layout. Spacing chart can be used to generate a final report.
The layout rules for equipments in Aspen OptiPlant includes:
1. Assign each equipment a CATEGORY using either of the two options:
Through parametric form of the equipment
Select/Fence equipment >> From the Tools >> “Assign Category” option >> assign it to desired category
2. To do ‘Dynamic Check’ during layout development:
Go to Tools >> Load Spacing Rule.
As you model a new equipment or move/copy a new equipment, a violation message will be prompted on the screen.
To visually see this violation:
Select the desired one equipment, go to Tools >> Show Violations.
A dialog box will appear with all violations. Select the one category to check against and hit Show Violations.
Render the view – the area in red/pink is the violation area. Moving equipment outside this area, removes the violation.
3. To generate a single report at the end of modeling:
Go to Tools >> Equipment Spacing >> Load Spacing
Next, go to Tools >> Generate Report
Keywords: Spacing, Equipment, Safety, PIP standard, Layout
References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000099608 |
Problem Statement: How to convert ACCE Excel file to Aspen OptiPlant Equipment list in Excel format? | Solution: The OptiPlant-ACCE interface can exchange data between OptiPlant and ACCE for equipment, pipe-racks and piping. It is a bi-directional interface for equipment and pipe-rack transfer whereas, it is a one-way transfer (from OptiPlant to ACCE) for piping quantities transfer. It helps the Owner-Operators and other engineering firms to optimize and improve the accuracy of Capital Project Cost Estimates by being able to visually see the 3D conceptual models during design optimization and project scope development.
The interface can read the equipment and pipe-rack data from ACCE Excel API file as well as from the custom reports extracted from Kbase for any existing projects to import the data into OptiPlant.
It reads the tags, equipment types, dimensions, descriptions and even the coordinates of the equipment and pipe-rack, if available from ACCE to automatically the build the 3D model.
The interface can also automatically transfer the equipment and pipe-rack data from OptiPlant to ACCE Excel API file to update the existing ACCE data or to add new data. It can transfer equipment and pipe rack tags, descriptions, locations and dimensions. The interface can automatically transfer the OptiPlant piping quantities to ACCE by populating the MTO data in ACCE Excel API file.
Select the ACCE Excel API file or Design report to be read by the interface.
Provide name for the output file.
Click on Submit button to start the conversion.
Close the form to exit out.
Now we can import the equipment through the converted excel file and structures through the excel file provided by OptiPlant.
Keywords: ACCE, Equipment list, Output, Excel, 3D Model
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the different between “Z” vs “U” arrangement of plate heat exchanger? | Solution: The explanation of U or Z configuration (see below snap) has been documented in HTFS DR36 Plate Heat Exchangers report.
For running a design mode case, the program will decide the arrangement. For rating or simulation, the user needs to specify based the existing exchanger geometry specification.
Keywords: Plate heat exchanger Z Vs U arrangement, single pass configurations plate heat exchangers
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is meaning of “Risk of Maldistribution” Yes or No in EDR Plate heat exchanger? | Solution: Aspen Plate heat exchanger gives notification for the “Risk of Maldistribution” while working with plate heat exchanger.
Flow maldistribution may occur when there are a large number of plates, and the flow of a single pass stream has to be distributed among a large number of channels in parallel. The flow resistance in the ports associated with channels distant from inlet and outlet can be significantly more than in channels nearer to the inlet and outlet, with the result that the distant channels receive a lower-than-average flow and the near channels a higher flow.
Plate initially assumes that there is uniform distribution of the flow of each stream among the various flow channels between plates. Plate can both perform an assessment of whether flow maldistribution effects may be significant, and then evaluate the effect of such maldistribution on thermal performance.
Design software for plate heat exchangers needs to follow a relatively simple set of procedures and needs to define only about few parameters like ten only.
The complications arise when dealing with difficult cases, such as when port pressure losses consume all the available pressure drop, or plate packs that become so long that there is a risk of maldistribution among the channels. A range of plates with different port sizes must then be tried.
If in spite of all these trials the risk of flow maldistribution can not be avoided, the program should highlight the risk in such designs. The actual effect of flow maldistribution on the exchanger performance can then be investigated in the program’s performance mode of calculation.
The Criteria for Risk of Maldistribution is based on:
For a Z arrangement type of plate heat exchangers, maldistribution may occur when the ratio of port pressure loss to the total of port pressure loss and pressure plate loss is over 0.3.
For a U arrangement type of plate heat exchangers, maldistribution may occur when the ratio of port pressure loss to the total of port pressure loss and plate pressure loss is over 0.45.
Keywords: Risk of maldistribution, Plate exchanger Z Vs U arrangement, single pass configurations
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to develop CO2 loading (with respect to CO2-MEA-Water) plot with CO2 partial pressure? | Solution: This article demonstrates how to set up an analysis case to do TV flash calculation for the system of MEA-H2O-CO2.
1. Create an Analysis case (MEA-CO2) in Properties environment, input MEA and H2O flow rate for 30 wt% MEASolution as 30 kg/hr MEA and 70 kg/hr H2O:
2. Go to Variable, specify temperature and vapor fraction and do TV flash calculation
3. Go to Adjust variables, specify CO2 mass flow, varying from 1 to 10 kg/hr
4. Go to Tabulate, select MLLOAD and PCO2 from Property Sets (already created under property set - if not users can create as available in sample model)
MLLOAD is defined as CO2 mol/MEA mol, PCO2 is CO2 partial pressure (property sets details available as below)
5. Run the analysis case, go to Results, CO2 loading and pressure are reported
6. Use the reported loading and pressure to plot the curve, user can also use excel to plot it.
Sample demo model is attached with the article.
Keywords: CO2 loading data, CO2 partial pressure data for carbon capture, three-component mixture of MEA, CO2, and water
References: None |
Problem Statement: How is the power requirement determined in crusher? What is impact of mechanical efficiency term? | Solution: This article will help to explain about power calculations for Crusher unit operation block:
Basically, it's doing a PQ flash, with P = block pressure and Q = Power * Mechanical efficiency.
The thermal heat used to determine outlet temperature is considering mechanical efficiency.
The following equation determines the power requirement for Crusher:
here:
POWER = Required power (Watt)
XF = Diameter larger than 80% of feed particle mass (m)
XP = Diameter larger than 80% of product particle mass (m)
BWI = Bond Work Index
FLOWT = Total solids mass flow rate (kg/s)
If the inlet stream contains no liquid, then crusher assumes dry crushing, and power requirements increase by 34% for Crusher models based on breakage functions. Another 34% increase applies to open circuit milling.
If XP is less than 70 micrometers & when the U.S. Bureau of Mines breakage function is used, the power required is further adjusted by:
For ball mill and rod mill models based on distribution functions, there are similar power adjustments, but these are made by adjusting the effective Bond Work Index.
The mechanical efficiency on the Grindability sheet specifies the fraction of the required power which actually contributes to crushing solids. The remainder is converted to heat and POWER(1-efficiency) is added to the enthalpy of the outlet stream.
Keywords: Crusher power, Mechanical Efficiency
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to get the entrainer to be filled in reflux drum while running batch distillation for heteroazeotropic system? | Solution: This article is based on separation of azeotropic mixtures like heteroazeotropic mixtures where user will use reflux drum to fill with the entrainer while performing batch distillation.
The sample model attached to this article will help to show how to get the entrainer's in the reflux drum prior starting the distillation.
This model contains two operating procedures only to demonstrate feed arrangements. Operating procedure one to demonstrate the entrainer to take in top reflux drum & second operating step to start regular feeding of Azeotropic mixture in pot.
Keywords: Azeotropic distillation, entrainer, batch distillation.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to design the A or V frame air cooled exchanger using the design mode of Design with fixed outside flow or Design with varying outside flow? | Solution: In version V12.2, user can design the A or V frame air cooled exchanger using the design mode of Design with fixed outside flow or Design with varying outside flow.
You can specify geometry limits, process limits, and optimization options similar to design the standard frame. To design an A or V frame, you can specify the limits of A or V frame apex angle.
Once the design calculation is completed, you can review the design results like the standard frame design AirCooled results on the Results | Thermal / Hydraulic Summary | Pressure Drop | Tube Side tab, Results | Result Summary | Optimization Path| Optimization Path tab, and other result tabs. A or V frame apex angle is included in the result tables.
Currently there is no Setting Plan for A or V frame air cooled exchangers.
Keywords: A or V frame air cooled exchanger, Design with fixed outside flow, Design with varying outside flow
References: None |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides knowledge of when do we need to run IDC (Install Database Configuration) , a tool used as a part of Aspen Watch. | Solution: What is IDC (Install Database Configuration) in Aspen Watch Configuration?
This utility updates the Aspen Watch Performance Monitor Server InfoPlus.21 database record structure. This step is required for first-time installations and upgrades.
To run the Install Database Configuration utility:
From the main menu of Aspen Watch Maker, click File | Install Database Configuration.
If the User Account Control dialog is displayed, click Yes to run the Install Database Configuration utility as Administrator, which gives the script sufficient privileges to run successfully.
If you want to check if IDC has been run since the last patch was installed, you can go to PCWS and find the version number for Aspen Watch:
Then access the file:
C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Performance Monitor\etc\cfg\AWSetScheTime.sql
If the version in the file is higher than the version in the database (what PCWS shows), then IDC has not been run since applying the last patch.
If they are the same, then there is no need to run IDC.
Keywords: Install Database Configuration, Aspen Watch, Performance Monitor
References: None |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides possible steps to resolve the issue of Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager not starting successfully accompanied by the following error:
error starting task TSK_DBCLOCK.
“Unable to start TSK_H21_PRIME task” | Solution: The above-mentioned error message could indicate that due to executable file for TSK_DBCLOCK was not selected in IP21 manager. The executable path could be accidently removed
The excitable file (dbclock.exe) should be selected for the DBCLOCK task to start
Also, the reason could be changing in the sequence of tasks of IP21 manager.
The Defined Tasks area of the InfoPlus.21 Manager window lists, in order, the tasks that are started when Aspen InfoPlus.21 starts. Not all tasks continue to run after InfoPlus.21 starts. A check in the check box next to a task indicates that the task is currently running.
When you attempt to start the database, irrespective of which way it is done, the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service will start the tasks in the order in which they are listed in the Defined Tasks list in the InfoPlus.21 Manager.
To change the order of a task:
Click Start | Programs | Aspen Tech | Aspen Manufacturing Suite | Aspen InfoPlus.21 | InfoPlus.21 Manager to open the InfoPlus.21 Manager.
Select a task in the Defined Tasks list.
Click Move Up or Move Down to relocate the task.
Click OK. The system updates the task relocation.
NOTE: Changes that you make to the Defined Tasks list do not take effect until the next time Aspen InfoPlus.21 starts.
The default set-up and correct sequence should be as follows:
Keywords: IP.21 Manager, Defined Tasks, Excitable file, Run task
References: None |
Problem Statement: It is a known issue that when trying to open iq_extract.exe without the right privileges, the command prompt displays “-- Fatal Error in MPF system”. | Solution: Here is a screenshot of the problem described:
This issue is caused by the Command Prompt running without administrator rights, this is a requirement for iq_extract.exe to work:
For some users even if they select “Run as administrator”, the command prompt will not elevate, please make sure that the window does show “Adiminstrator:…” as highlighted on the previous screenshot.
Keywords: IQ, iq_extract, command prompt, Fatal Error in MPF System
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article describes a | Solution: to fix the AspenWatch Menu display on the APC Web Viewer
Solution
In Version 12 a new APC Web Viewer was released as a new interface to Operate DMC3 Controllers. This new APC Web Viewer is installed with the default installation of the Web Server (PCWS). The APC Web Viewer has the capability to display the AW Menu in a similar way as PCWS does. And it will the same configuration as PCWS (ADSA Configuration).
One of the problems that may happen is that APC Web Viewer may fail to display the AspenWatch Menu. If that is the case, there are multiple things that can be checked to fix this problem:
1.- Verify that AW service is running and IP21 Manager is running. This will happen, AW Maker, as well-meaning Controller and Tags collecting and is always a good practice to make sure all components are working properly.
2.- Make sure the Controllers are collecting and show Success Status. Checking the Controller status help to check if the collecting is executing properly.
3.- Make sure PCWS can display the AW information. If ADSA is properly set up and AW is collecting data, then is expected that PCWS display all AW information. Not only the AW Menu, but the History tab should also display all information. If PCWS fails to display AW information, it would be expected APC Web Viewer fail too. One quick trick to refresh the AW data is to click on the History tab and go back to the Online Tab.
4.- Make sure the Page is added to the trusted sites. Security could be another problem with the AW Data from the web viewer.
5.- Finally we have encountered that is possible that Microsoft and Aspen updates could cause some issues. If that is the case for V12.1 we suggest applying CP1 Patch and EP3 Patch for Web Viewer
CP1
https://esupport.aspentech.com/apex/S_SoftwareDeliveryDetail?id=a0e4P00000RnTOkQAN
EP3
https://esupport.aspentech.com/apex/S_SoftwareDeliveryDetail?id=a0e4P00000XBLDzQAP
6.- IP21 SQL Security. Another issue that could appear is that SQL security is not properly set in IP21 Manager. In this case, we can suggest two things:
Apply MES cumulative Patch for V12.1. this patch contains some important fixes related to SQL and IP21. So, in order to have an updated server and fixed the problem, we suggest applying this patch.
https://esupport.aspentech.com/apex/S_SoftwareDeliveryDetail?id=a0e4P00000WEkPMQA1
If you don’t want to install the patch another thing to try is to change the security settings of the SQL task in the IP21 manager. To do this Select the TSL_SQL_Server task from Defined Task then double click on the command line parameter and type -n. Then restart the task
Keywords: APC Web Viewer, PCWS, IP21, SQL
References: None |
Problem Statement: What happens if the past time parameter for a repository is set to the default of 24 hours, and you unbuffer an Aspen Cim-IO Store file from the weekend (which could include data from 60 hours ago)? | Solution: Data older than 24 hours will be lost (without error messages). Always have the past time parameter set to at least 72 hours so you are able to recover a store file from the weekend. If you have to change this parameter:
1. Open the IP.21 Administrator
2. Expand the tree view until you see your repository
3. Right-click on the repository and choose Properties from the context menu
4. Modify the Past Time parameter from the Repository tab and click OK
5. The change takes effect within 5 minutes
If you realize you have a store file growing, it is good practice to check the past time parameter for the repository and set it to a value greater than the amount of time you have been buffering. This must be done BEFORE restoring the connection to IP.21, as the store files unbuffer as soon as the client and server establish connection.
Keywords: History; store and forward; IP.21; data loss
References: None |
Problem Statement: The following issue has been reported in V12.1 and V14. If the Windows user account that is logged in to the APC Desktop server has spaces in the account name, when running DMC3 Builder Deep Learning training, it gets stuck on the status of initializing network and will not finish the training process.
For example, an account name Test user account is logged into the server running DMC3 Builder. The account logged in can be verified by going to DMC3 Builder's Online section bottom panel where is shows Connected As: <ServerName>\<AccountName>:
When running Start Training for a Deep Learning case, it gets stuck on this status of Initializing network... and does not complete: | Solution: This is a known issue and reported as Defect 840857. The target fix is the next release V14.2.
The workaround that can be used is to create another user account that does not have spaces, log out of the current one, and log back in with the new account to run the training again.
Keywords: deep, learning, stuck, stopped, initializing, network, dmc3 builder, training
References: None |
Problem Statement: DMCplus Build does not have an interface to configure Smart Tune priorities and preferences. Instead, the user must use DMC3 Builder to configure the settings to update the CCF. This article describes the steps taken to enable and configure Smart Tune for a DMC3 Controller that is deployed using the ACO platform (i.e. using MDL3 and CCF files). | Solution: 1. In DMCplus Build, open your DMC3 project and go to Tools > Options and select Enable Smart Tune and Enable the Smart Tune CCF Update command in DMC3 Builder. Then save the CCF and close it. This button lets DMC3 Builder know that when you import the CCF, it will enable the feature to configure Smart Tune and save it in the CCF when you're done. If this option is greyed out, it may be because your associated model file is .MDL (DMCplus Model), not .MDL3 (DMC3 Model). Smart Tune is a feature only available for DMC3 controllers.
2. In DMC3 Builder, open a DMC3 project, and then in Controllers > Import > Application and select the CCF. You should get the following message upon Import, click OK:
3. Select the Optimization section of the controller and in the top tools ribbon, Smart Tune should be selected under Configure Optimizer:
4, Complete the configuration in the Smart Tune Wizard
5. Then to update the existing CCF in this same DMC3 Builder Optimization section, select the button Smart Tune CCF Update. This will open a new dialog window to select which CCF you want to update with these settings.
6. Select the CCF file that was initially imported in DMC3 Builder to update it.
7. Once complete, the following dialog window will appear to confirm that it is updated:
8. Now open the updated CCF and continue controller configuration and deployment in the ACO platform. This CCF contains the Smart Tune information that was configured in DMC3 Builder.
Keywords: aco, smart, tune, ccf, update, dmcplus
References: None |
Problem Statement: This | Solution: frames a simple but useful procedure to convert step test information collected in excel into a CLC file that can be imported into DMCplus Model, IQModel, and DMC3 Builder
Solution
To solve this issue, we will require to IQModel application. IQModel is a standard desktop application (It always gets installed when APC Desktop, Online, and Watch Server are installed) that is normally used for the development of IQ PLS model.
Additionally, it has compatibility with an Excel plug-in built for importing data in IQModel. Further information about how to use the plug-ins can be found in the following KB Article:
https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000099500
In this particular case, we will not use the plug-in, but the steps that will be described can be used with the plug-in approach.
NOTE: is important to take into account that to use this approach we will require to have data on all variables using the same sampling (even if the measurements are infrequent we may have to manually fix the gaps). This is important due that the sampling format can créate issues on DMC3 Builder. It does not matter if the timestamp is captured, but is important to have data in a base frequency.
1.- for this example, we have the following information in Excel:
In this case, you will notice that the timestamp column does not exist for this example. This would represent a problem for DMC3 builder since the CLC format requires the timestamp, but IQModel will help us to solve the issue.
From Excel, we will require to export the data as a text file tab-delimited. Normally this can be done by saving the file and selecting the correct extension.
2.- The next step will be to import the text file into IQModel. To do this simply créate a new Project and Select click on the Specify Data button.
3.- a small Windows will appear asking for some specifications. In this case, ignore everything and click OK. Then you will be asked to specify the data to import. For this step select the text file we just extracted from Excel.
Click OK on the File Format window.
4.- the next window will ask to select a variable as a CV for the IQModel. Nevertheless, this is not relevant to theSolution. Do right-click on any variable and select Dependent then click Ok.
5.- At this point, our information has been loaded into IQModel. The next step is to extract the CLC file. Back on the IQModel interface click on the small down arrow next to Specify Data. From you will a small menú with different options.
6.- Select Input Data and you will a table with all the information we import. Notice that the first column shows a timestamp related to the current server time. IQModel créate those timestamps automatically when the timestamp is not defined on the dataset. For the dataset is important to remember that the Start time and End time (meaning when the step testing took place) are not important, but the frequency does. In this case, since we sample data on a minute basis IQModel créate the timestamps using that assumption. This will be helpful for the creation of the CLC
7.- On the tip, ribbon click on the diskette icon with the export legend
This will bring another save window in which you can specify the extension. Select CLC and save the file
8.- Finally we can test that the CLC file is Functional. You can do two things to test this. Open the CLC with Notepad and through the format make sure is in place. Or you can directly import in DMC3 builder.
Keywords: DMC3, IQModel, Dataset
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article describes a workaround to create custom plot groups for a specific controller. | Solution: By default, the plot groups option can only plot pre-defined groups from the controller (INDEPENDENTS, DEPENDENTS, SUBCONTROLLERS, AND TEST GROUPS). However, there is no default way to select specific variables to plot as a custom group.
The default way to use the plot groups is by going to the Plots tab in PCWS, then clicking on the Plot Options button. Then Select a Controller and select one of the mentioned pre-defined groups.
Additionally, you can select the Plot Layout.
One way to work around this problem and créate custom test groups is by using the Group Definitions option. The following steps describe the Creation and Plot of a custom test group
1.- On PCWS click on the Configuration Tab, then from the left side tree select Group Definition.
2.- Once Group Definition is selected it will display a Windows where you can select the Controller that will be used and Variable Group. Selection of All Variables you will have to every variable listed on the controller.
Then Click New.
3.- On the next window, you can specify the name of your custom group and select from All variables the variables that will be part of the new group. In this case, the Group is called FLOW_VAR and we will Select all FIC variables and one Analyzer
Then Click on Apply for the changes to take place.
4.- Go back to the Online Tab and expand the controller groups, you should see a new definition created.
5.- Go to Plots and PCWS, and click on the Plot Option, this time when you display the Groups for your controller, the new Defined group will appear showing only plots of the Variables that were included in that group.
Keywords: PCWS, Plots, Customer Groups
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to get rid off the following error message Convergence block $OLVER did not converge normally in the final pass in Aspen Plus? | Solution: In order to get rid off the following error message Convergence block $OLVER did not converge normally in the final pass in Aspen Plus, you may increase the allowed iteration times to 100 from (Convergence -> Options -> Method -> Wegstein table), then the model will be able to converge.
If the error still persists, you may try to check (Convergence -> Options -> Methods -> Secant -> Bracket -> from 'No' (default) to 'Yes')
Keywords: Aspen Plus, Convergence, Final Pass
References: None |
Problem Statement: V12.0 MES web server includes a separate installation of Apache Solr (before V12.0 this had been more integrated into Apache Tomcat). We are asked whether it is possible to upgrade Apache Solr. | Solution: The only supported version of Solr is the version deployed with the MES web server product. This is important given that you should apply the appropriate patch to address the Log4j (CVE-2021-44228, CVE-2021-45046, and CVE-2021-45105) vulnerability.
Note, for V12.0, V12.2 and V14.0 MES web servers, Apache Solr version 8.2.0 is deployed.
Why is upgrading Solr not currently supported?
Since Solr is part of our installation process, CPs and EPs will need to take any additional Aspen supported Solr versions into account in order to have consistent and dependable upgrades in the future
QE has not had a chance to verify expected functionality remains in place, and identify any potential defects
Development has not had a chance to verify all required configuration updates
If you have any concerns about this then please contact AspenTech support.
Keywords: Security
Manage Search Data
Search Engine configuration parameters
CVE-2021-27905
References: None |
Problem Statement: On certain cycles a ramp may show a Combined Status of > Hi Limit or < Lo Limit even though the measurement and steady state target are within limits, what is the reason for this? | Solution: The Combined Status is not related to the Steady State Target, it's related to the URDPTG (CalculatedUpperImbalanceLimit) and the LRDPTG (CalculatedLowerImbalanceLimit), there is more information on the ActiveConstraintIndicator entry dictionary, this is what it says:
More information on the CombinedStatusIndicator and Traditional Ramps with Imbalance help files:
When the ramp needs to be unbalanced to a slope above or below the imbalance limits that's when it will show on the Combined Status an active constraint indicator of >High Limit or <Low Limit respectively, this is the expected behavior for ramps.
The parameters URDPTG and LRDPTG are not shown on PCWS, they are internal parameters, if you want to display them as messages on PCWS please refer to this other KB article: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000097875
Keywords: PCWS, ramp, combined status, hi limit, lo limit
References: None |
Problem Statement: When you have multiple sites, it is a good idea to enable site level security in Mtell to allow super users to view assets specifically only to their sites. This reduces the likelihood of a super user to make changes of a similar asset but on a different site by accident.
Pre-requisite
How to set up Aspen Mtell security | Solution: To enable site-level security, open Aspen Mtell System Manager and click Settings under the Configuration tab. On the left panel, select Security Settings and check the boxes 'Security Enabled' and 'Site Filter Enabled'.
Select Users on the left panel under Security, and on the bottom right there will be a panel for 'Site In User'. Select the appropriate user and check the box for the relevant sites. Click Save at the top ribbon once all the users have been assigned to their sites. Each assigned user should now only see assets from sites allocated to them in Aspen Mtell System Manager, Aspen Mtell Agent Builder and Aspen Mtell View.
Keywords: Site Security
Permissions
Specified location
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I access Aspen elearning from within Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus or Aspen EDR? | Solution: Aspen elearning may be accessed directly from AspenTech software like Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus and Aspen EDR. Please follow the steps below to access:
1) Open the AspenTech software
2) Open a new case or an existing file and go to the Resources tab and click on Aspen Knowledge.
3) Select ‘yes’ to activate Aspen elearning.
4) Add filters for ‘Training’ and then ‘elearning’.
5) Search for the relavant course.
6) Click on ‘Start Course’ to view the video.
Key Words:
Aspen elearning, e-learning, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, Aspen EDR, v12
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to get rid off the following error message “ERROR WHILE EVALUATING PROP SET FREEZEPT FOR STREAM MIX SUB-STREAM
THE PROPERTY FREEZEPT CANNOT CALCULATED
BECAUSE ASSAY DATA WERE NOT ENTERED” in Aspen Plus? | Solution: In order to get rid of the error message, you will need to input FREEZEPT Assay data from Assay/Blend tab in the Properties Environment.
At least 4 points must be specified in ascending order for the distillation curve
and at least 4 points must be specified for each property
Once the required Basic Data and Property Curves values are inserted, the error message will disappear and you will be able to see the “freeze point” value in the stream results.
Keywords: Aspen Plus, FREEZEPT, Freeze Point
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to break and join streams in Aspen Plus? | Solution: To break a stream on the Process Flowsheet:
Select the stream on the flowsheet and right mouse click
Select “Break Stream” for the stream context menu
If results exist, you will be asked if you want to reconcile the stream
Enter the name of the new product stream created
To join two streams:
Select the two streams to be spliced (using the Shift or Ctrl key)
Right mouse click on one of the stream, select “Join Streams”
Combined stream will have the name of the former feed stream
Keywords: Aspen Plus, Break, Join
References: None |
Problem Statement: When I perform a Publish All, not all my properties are published to table EV_REC_PROPS, why is that? | Solution: The max size of ID column on _EVENTS, _EVENTS_MBO is 255 characters, and it is the composed string of stream properties for Product Receipt. If the events contain too many properties, it can exceed the 255 characters limit, the rest of the characters will be truncated and won’t be saved to EV_REC_PROPS or EV_REC_PROPS_MBO table.
If code is changed to extend the size of the existing column length in database, it can introduce unnecessary workspace. Adding too many properties to a receipt event can make a model too complex for MBO to solve, therefore, we recommend adding only essential properties.
Keywords: Properties, MBO, max, not published, EV_REC_PROPS or EV_REC_PROPS_MBO
References: None |
Problem Statement: When using Unscrambler models with SIMATIC SIPAT, you may come across the following error:
Error calling CAMO function: Description: Access denied | Solution: The Unscrambler engine (OLUCX and OLUPX) software must be installed with the same Windows user account running the SIMATIC SIPAT calculation service, the engine will only work for that user as the license files are stored under the users' environment. If not, you will receive an access denied error when loading a model.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I set up user access to Aspen AI Model Builder? | Solution: To request for an AI Model Builder account, please contact [email protected] . You will receive an email with a link to activate your account. Once you have activated your account, please follow these steps to setup access to AI Model Builder:
Navigate to: https://iam.aspentech.ai/
Login with the email/password combination Customer Care set up at registration
Go to Accounts Page
Create an Account for AI Model Builder
Go to Users Page
Click on the username
Add New Permissions
Select AI Model Builder
Select Product Role
Select Account created at step 4
From here you can also create a new user
You may also remove product permission from a user
Keywords: AIoT, Aspen Hybrid Models, AI Model Builder'
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to simulate an orifice using Aspen Hydraulics? | Solution: Orifice calculation can be performed using Aspen Hydraulics functionality. Access to Aspen Hydraulics via Model Palette / Piping and Hydraulics section. Pay attention that Aspen Hydraulics Orifice must be located between two pipes in order to solve it. If you would like to calculate required orifice diameter you can use Adjust block with the outlet pressure as the target function.
Orifice calculation example is attached.
Note: in order to use Aspen Hydraulics functionality is required Aspen Hysys Upstream license.
Key words
Aspen Hydraulics, Orifice
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: A simulation has been created in Aspen Plus with ACM models (Aspen Custom Modeler Model Export). When exporting to Aspen Plus Dynamics as flow or pressure driven, the simulation exports but it does not load up in Aspen Plus Dynamics. When trying to open it directly in Aspen Plus Dynamics, many errors are raised and the operation fails. | Solution: In Aspen Custom Modeler, when you right click the model in the Simulation Explorer, Custom Modeling, Models, Exported Model Properties, you have the option to change the Display name.
The problem is that when exporting the file from Aspen Plus to Aspen Plus Dynamics, the file will be using the display name, while the embedded Aspen Custom Modeler model is still with the original model name. This is why when loading the file the operation is failing.
The screen capture below shows the Display name on the Export Model Properties dialog window. The display name should be left as the original model name if you intend to export the Aspen Plus simulation to Aspen Plus Dynamics.
Another option to consider is to open the dynf file with a text editor, look for the flowsheet section and modify the block declaration:
Blocks(B1) as test2;
replace with
Blocks(B1) as test;
(assuming that test2 was the modified Display name and test is the original model name).
Keywords: Model Export, Dynamics, Aspen Custom Modeler, VSTS 802794
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning ERROR: The header line <header ID> cannot be found for branch <branch ID>. | Solution: A branch line references a header line that is not listed in the line list. Either the header line does not exist or the line ID is not entered correctly. Check the information of this line in the line list.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning ERROR: Line ID <Line ID> is repeated more than once in line list. Ignoring the first line. | Solution: Check that each line ID in the line list is unique.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning ERROR: Entry at line <Line No> in equipment list has invalid format, ignoring the line. | Solution: Check that this line adheres to the equipment list format rules.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning ERROR: Invalid equipment type <type> at line <Line No> in equipment list. | Solution: Check that the equipment has a valid type in OptiPlant format.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning ERROR: Invalid rack direction for line <Line ID> in N/S rack <rack ID>, Ignoring the line. Must have ‘N’ or ‘S’ as direction. | Solution: Either change the direction component of the ID to a valid direction, or change the rack ID to one that lies in the direction specified.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning ERROR: Invalid rack direction for line <Line ID> in U/D rack <rack ID>, Ignoring the line. Must have ‘U’ or ‘D’ as direction. | Solution: Either change the direction component of the ID to a valid direction, or change the rack ID to one that lies in the direction specified.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning “ERROR: Invalid rack direction for line <Line ID> in E/W rack<rack ID>, Ignoring the line. Must have ‘E’ or ‘W’ as direction. | Solution: Either change the direction component of the ID to a valid direction, or change the rack ID to one that lies in the direction specified.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning “ERROR: Line <Line ID> references itself at end point, ignoring the line | Solution: Either change the line ID, or change the ID it is branching from, so it is not connecting to itself.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: When the Input Generation process is executed, users sometimes get the warning “ERROR: Line <Line ID> references itself at start point, ignoring the line. | Solution: Either change the line ID, or change the ID it is branching from, so it is not connecting to itself.
Key Words:
Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, Input Generation, Run Batch, Routing
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why does the insulation thickness value is set as -1 in Aspen OptiPlant model during the creation of line list? | Solution: Line list is a file that contains selected data on all the lines in the project. It may be created through Aspen OptiPlant Line-List template, Excel, Schematic Creator or can even be extracted from an intelligent P&ID. While creating a line list, by default the insulation thickness value is -1.
To create a line list in Aspen OptiPlant, follow the below steps:
1. Go to Auto Route tab and click on the Line-List button.
2. Next, a window will open up as “Select .lls file to import / Create a new .lls file”
3. Keep the filename as ‘EXAMPLE1.lls’ and then, click on ‘Open’.
4. Next, the ‘UNITS’ window opens up: Select the units and then click on Save.
5. The OptiPlant line-list template opens up >> start adding lines clicking on Add.
6. Once you have added the lines, Click on Save.
In Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout, -1 is used as a code to automatically calculate the pipe insulation thickness based on specifications of the pipe such as diameter and temperature.
Keywords: Line list, Auto Route, Insulation, Thickness, Units
References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000100079 |
Problem Statement: What does NOT LICENSED run status on Aspen Watch Maker mean and how can it be corrected? | Solution: The NOT LICENSED status is the initial status of a controller. If a controller is not running or it has been started but has not yet run, it will generate this message. Once the controller has started and acquired a valid license, the status of the Aspen Watch collection in Watch Maker will go to Initializing and then to Success.
NOTE: Always run Aspen Watch Maker's Install Database Configuration utility (with administrator access) after the application of any software update, such as a software version patch.
Solution 1: Check CCF Settings for DMCplus-based Deployment
1. Open the CCF file in DMCplus Build.
2. Add a new entry to the General section called AWATCH with an integer value of 1.
3. Also for newer versions: go to Tools, Options, and on the General tab, confirm that AWENB is selected:
3. Use APC Manage to stop the controller, reload the CCF file, and start it again.
4. Stop and restart the Aspen Watch scanning process in Watch Maker.
After completing the above mentioned steps, the Run Status may appear as Old run time: Waiting.... This indicates that the controller has not been run for the last 24 hours.
Solution 2: Restart Aspen Watch Service
1. Stop the data collection in Watch Maker for all controllers.
2. Open Windows Services and restart the Aspen APC Performance Monitor Data Service.
3. In Watch Maker, click on the controller name and then Actions | Update and follow the rest of the prompts to start data collection again. This should force the status to go to Initial first and then if the issue is resolved, it will show Success.
Solution 3: Disable Broadcasting in SLM Configuration Wizard
1. Open the SLM Configuration Wizard application.
2. Select Configure and expand Advanced Settings.
3. If connecting to a license server, whether on the same machine or on a remote machine, the Enable Broadcasting feature should NOT be selected. This will restrict the machine to only look for the license servers configured in the SLM Configuration Wizard.
Solution 4: APC Online Host Connection
1. Open Aspen Watch Maker.
2. Click on Actions and then Online Host Connection.
3. Click Refresh and make sure there is a green light next to the APC server Host name:
4. If the light is yellow, this means the network communications with the online applications server was interrupted or has failed.
For DMCplus applications, ensure that Aspen APC DMCplus Data Service is running.
For both RTE and IQ applications, ensure that Aspen APC Performance Monitor Data Service is running.
For IQ applications, ensure that Aspen APC Inferential Qualities Data Service is running.
Solution 5: Reconnecting Database
1. Open Aspen Watch maker.
2. Go to File and click Disconnect.
3. Go to File and click Connect.The Select Data Source dialog box will appear.
4. Under the Machine Data Source tab, select the Data Source Name and hit OK.
Solution 6: Permissions Issue
1. Open up File Explorer and navigate to Local Disk > Program Data > AspenTech > APC > Performance Monitor.
2. Open the RepositoryErrors.log file. The messages in this log file could indicate a permissions issue on the user account starting up the Aspen Performance Monitor Data Service, as such: Error reading definition record (ID=1) fixed fields: Access Denied.
3. If this error is shown, go to Services, right-click on Aspen APC Performance Monitor Data Service, and click Properties. Go to the Log On tab and use the same account that you use to run Aspen Infoplus.21 Task Service.
4. Restart the Aspen APC Performance Monitor Data Service.
Keywords: watch, maker, performance, monitor, collecting, not, licensed, status, message, working
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to disable the put operations on CIM-IO? | Solution: 1) Launch the CIMIO Interface Manager, select a CIMIO interface instance in the left pane tree control.
2) The User invokes the Enable/Disable PUTs action in the right pane. This causes the Enable/Disable PUTs dialog to appear.
4) Stop the selected CIMIO to OPC interface, click “Enable\Disable PUTS”, then select “Disable puts to all tags”, and start the CIMIO to OPC interface.
5) As a result, the CIMIO server receives the CIMIO put message but no puts are sent to the associated DCS device or equipment. The CIMIO server logs an informational message whenever the user checks/unchecks the Enable CIMIO Puts Operations box.
Below is the test result from CIMIO TEST API.
Keywords: CIM-IO
PUT
Disable
References: None |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides Explanation on why we need to Exclude AspenTech Files and Folders from Anti-Virus Scanning. | Solution: The reason for bypassing virus-checking on these files is because anti-virus software checks files that change for potential viruses. System performance can be degraded with continual scan checks of files that may update frequently. Also, there will be files that get created/deleted during the system operation. For example, the SLM Server will auto generate some temp files in some folders, and it will report Error code 26 when the anti-virus application scans and removes the temp files. Moreover, we have witnessed possibility of crashing some files by the Anti-virus, which led to total stoppage and lose of data
How non-exclusion of any files will impact specific feature/capability or overall system healthiness?
For instance, Program Files\Program Files (x86) \netpub - all these will impact the binaries that are used to access the Aspen software. Allowing anti-virus to interfere with the operation of these binaries has caused performance issues and crashes on many customer systems (that is why they need to be excluded).
And Users\ Program Data – These folders need to be excluded because the performance of the product will be impacted (along with functionality) if the anti-virus is checking every read/write operation done by our software.
Is there any way the number of files to be excluded can be reduced?
No, there is not. The minimum list that is accessed by our software should be excluded.
Every folder indicates that it is an AspenTech folder.
Keywords: Anti-Virus, Scanning, file, folder, Exclusion, Exclude
References: None |
Problem Statement: When attempting to do a Repair Archive on the file sets for that repository
the Repair Archive start with a status of - Repair Archive in Progress, then turns to Not Responding, until we get the error:
Repair Archive Error - Investigate problem 4 repairing archive!!! | Solution: Restart InfoPlus.21, to do so:
Open the InfoPlus.21 Manager
Click on Stop Database and let it stop completely.
Click on Start Database, and let it start completely.
Keywords: InfoPlus.21
IP21
Repair Archive
Problem 4
References: None |
Problem Statement: Cannot add end Point to InfoPlus.21
“Error while trying to test connection for (https://localhost:6584): error from … : rcp error: code = Unavailable desc = connection error: desc = transport: authentication handshake failed: tls: first record does not look like a TLS handshake” | Solution: Update gRPC server task definition in IP.21
Run the IP.21 Manager
Make the input parameters to the TSK_GRPC_SERVER
task:
-s IP21GRPCServer.key IP21GRPCServer.crt
Restart the task in the IP.21 Manager
For more details, please look at the attached file.
Keywords: Error 6584
Cloud Connect
Connection Error
GRPC
References: None |
Problem Statement: It is possible to use one client machine for multiple users to access through a remote desktop protocol? Yes. and it can be used simultaneously. | Solution: The only way you can have multiple users logged in at the same time is if the Server is Configured as an Application Server, and the Users login via Remote Desktop, a CITRIX Client, or some other Remote Terminal Services Login.
In addition to that, there are some Windows or Microsoft Setting that also needs to be enabled to allow multiple logins. (IT Team should know which Windows or Microsoft Setting needs to be enabled.)
In some occasions, this has been accomplished by having a separate Shared Client Apps Server typically accessed via CITRIX that when accessed by multiple users then has a connection to both the SLM License Server and one or more IP.21 Servers via the ADSA Data Sources. And for this case, the Customers License File must also include the SLM_Allow_Remote session key.
Thus, if you are trying to Support Multiple Remote Logins to your IP.21 Server without accessing IP.21 via a Client App executed from a Client PC, then it could be suspected that your License Key File would also require the SLM_Allow_Remote session key.
How to enable Multiple RDP Sessions:
1. Log into the server, where the Remote Desktop Services are installed.
2. Open the start screen (press the Windows key) and type gpedit.msc and open it.
3. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
4. Set Restrict Remote Desktop Services user to a single Remote Desktop Services session to Disabled.
5. Double click Limit number of connections and set the RD Maximum Connections allowed to 999999.
https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/81353#:~:text=Enable%20Multiple%20RDP%20Sessions&text=msc%20and%20open%20it.,Desktop%20Services%20session%20to%20Disabled
Keywords: Multiple users
Remote desktop
IP.21
InfoPlus21
Server
RDP sessions
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to set back the default nozzle position when the user defined nozzles are not satisfactory in Aspen OptiPlant 3D Layout Model? | Solution: The Aspen OptiPlant software has a series of Rule Based Nozzles that are associated with each equipment type. The program will calculate nozzles according to the equipment orientation and position. The default rule based nozzles of an equipment can be modified or customized using this Assign Custom Rules | Rule Based Nozzles feature.
As a nozzle is selected, it displays its tag in the status bar. The tag of a selected nozzle is same as the rule based nozzle selected in the line-list for that line. Example: A pump suction line will show nozzle tags as SUC .A line connecting to the tube side UP nozzle on a heat exchanger will show the nozzle tag as TUP
You can select any nozzle and relocate it per the design requirement to change the pipe route. As soon as a nozzle is moved, its tag gets updated by getting a suffix “UD” appended to it indicating that particular nozzle has been moved therefore, it’s no longer a rule-based nozzle location but a user-defined nozzle location. Example: HZ1N_UD, S1UP_UD
As soon as a nozzle is relocated, the line-list also gets updated automatically with the new tag as HZ1N_UD, S1UP_UD etc for only the nozzles that gets moved.
To set back the default nozzle position, click on AutoRoute > Remove User-Defined Nozzles > Delete All
Keywords: Nozzles, User-Defined, AutoRoute
References: https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000099612
https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000099619 |
Problem Statement: How to utilize user APED databases created in previous versions? | Solution: Aspen Properties Database Manager (APDM) can be used to manage all aspects of Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED), such as creating, registering, backup and restore of databases. APDM can be accessed through the following path: Start | Programs | Aspen Tech | Aspen Properties Vx.x | Database Manager - Aspen Properties Vx.x
Note: For version previous to V9, the path is Start | Programs | Aspen Tech | Process modeling Vx.x | Aspen Properties | Database Manager - Aspen Properties Vx.x
Please follow the next steps to utilize APED databases created in previous versions:
Create a new properties database: Right-click Database Manager- Aspen Properties under console root and select Create a New Database
A new database can be created by importing legacy data files of various types or by cloning an existing database.
The following information can be used for the Identification and Connection:
Database Type - Only SQL Server is supported.
Server - Leave this set as localhost to connect to a database on your computer. If your administrator has set up a database server to be shared over the network, select the name of the server from the list. To connect to SQL Server Express, you must add \SQLEXPRESS after the computer name or use .\SQLEXPRESS for your computer.
Login Name – apeduser2
Password - Aprop88#
Database - Specify the name to be used for the new database. Keep the name short, using a maximum of 8 characters.
Note: The login name (apeduser2) and password (Aprop88#) have not change since V7.3.2 onwards. For previous versions, refer to the article What are the Login Name and Password for the Aspen Properties Database Manager?
Register a database: Database must be registered before they can be used by programs on your computer, such as A+ or HYSYS. Right-click Aspen Physical Properties Databases and select Register a Database to access the registration wizard. User databases that are created on your computer are registered automatically for the current version.
Backup and restore a database: Backing up a database is useful when the database may experience unwanted changes, or to be copied to another computer to re-create the database elsewhere.
The backup function can be accessed by right-clicking Aspen Physical Properties Databases under console root and select All tasks | Backup database.
Once a database is backed up, a file with the same name will be created under folder C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APED Vx.x\user_name\database_name with no extension.
This backup file can be used to restore the database. To restore a database from a backup copy, right-click Aspen Physical Properties Databases under console root and select All tasks | Restore database. After restoring the database, you will have to register it.
The user should register the database for Vx.x after Vx.x is installed on the same computer, instead of restoring the database. User databases created in earlier versions will be available for registration for later versions installed on the same computer. Restoring database is only applicable when the original database is deleted unintentionally (or intentionally after unwanted changes) or to re-create the same database in other computers.
Keywords: APED (Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED), create, register, backup, restore.
References: None |
Problem Statement: To do a better selection of the algorithm type when creating a Deep Learning Inferential Model, more information is required. The information on the help file is too brief and it would be useful to know which algorithm I need to use if for example the model is highly nonlinear, if not a lot of data is available, etc. | Solution: The help file Deep Learning Model Case - Training View provides the following description for the three types of algorithms available to develop Deep Learning Inferential Models:
GRU: Gated Recurrent Network - A recurrent neural network that models nonlinear dynamic processes.
LSTM: Long Short Term Memory Network - A recurrent neural network that models nonlinear dynamic processes.
MLP: Multilayer Perceptron - A traditional neural network that models static nonlinear processes. Manually entered deadtimes and filters may be specified.
To get a more in-depth and technical description of the differences between GRU, LSTM, and MLP; please review the following table:
Network Type LSTM/GRU MLP
Description GRU and LSTM are recurrent neural networks. In a simplified description, this means that the output at time k is dependent on previous outputs as well as the inputs. The GRU and LSTM are slightly different implementations of a recurrent neural network. There are a number of more detailed descriptions available on the internet. MLP is a multi-layer perceptron. It is a structure where the output only depends on the inputs. In Tensorflow/Keras nomenclature, it is a series of Dense layers.
Dynamics Both GRU and LSTM can identify fully nonlinear dynamic models. For MLP, the current implantation passes the inputs through a linear filter and then a nonlinear model is trained to model the output as a function of the filtered inputs.
Data Requirements For a control relevant model, typically requires 5 to 10 times as much data as a linear dynamic model to get a full nonlinear model covering a significant operating range. For a prediction only model, the requirements are probably less than that. Data requirements are much less. Lab sampling can be modeled with an MLP structure.
Applicability Useful if the dynamics are highly nonlinear over the operating range and there is enough data to model this. Very usful for approximating simulation models. Useful if the dynamics can be approximated with a linear model.
Training Time Highly dependent on the Horizon and the number of data points. Dependent on the number of data points and the number of inputs. Can be quite slow for large data sets.
Keywords: Deep learning, algorithm, Deep learning inferential model, DMC3, GRU, LSTM, MLP
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to integrate data between two dates to calculate the area under the curve using Aggregate table SQLplus?
For example:
You want to calculate the area under the curve that draws the TAG_A between two dates in Process Explorer.
To read all the values one can write this SQL sentence:
SELECT IP_TREND_VALUE FROM TAG_A WHERE IP_TREND_TIME start AND finish;
Is it possible to do the same with AGGREGATE TABLE in SQLplus, if yes how to do so? | Solution: Calculating the area under the curve is a calculus type of calculation whereas the Aggregates Table in SQLplus returns statistical calculations such as AVG, MIN, MAX, etc. The Aggregates Table will not have a value that you can select and get the area under the curve.
So in short, in order to calculate the area under the curve, you will need to create a formula (custom formula) by yourself and get all the values you need to calculate the area under the curve.
Keywords: integrate, variable,sqlplus,aggregate,area,under the curve
References: None |
Problem Statement: Users may receive the following message when creating a calculation from within Aspen Calc on a node where the Aspen InfoPlus.21 server resides:
Failed to create calculation. Not authorized to create, modify, delete, copy or rename of any type of calculation on this node.
They may also receive the following message when trying to connect to an Aspen InfoPlus.21 system from a remote Aspen Calc client:
Failed to connect to <nodename>: Permission denied
where <nodename> is the name of the server to which one wants to connect. What can one do to fix the problem? | Solution: Make sure that the information contained in the followingSolutions has been implemented:
How to configure Aspen Calc for stand-alone or shared servers
Failed to connect to server <servername>, permission denied
What can cause error Failed to connect to <server>: The remote server machine does not exist or is unavailable?
If the problem persists, an adjustment needs to be made to a service called 'AFW Security Client Service'. This service is usually located on the Aspen InfoPlus.21 machine. To make the adjustment please open either the Services applet or navigate to the 'Services and Applications' branch of Computer Management. Right-click on the service and select Properties. Click on the 'Log On' tab. The service needs to be starting with a domain account that is a member of the administrators group locally on the box where the service resides.
After the change is made please restart the service. After the restart close any Aspen Calc instances that are running and restart them.
Note
In some extreme cases, the DefaultKPI and/or DefaultBatchKPI may not exist and will need to be created and made usable.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to create a custom definition record on Aspen InfoPlus.21 V9 and higher? | Solution: To create a custom definition record, find the tile Definition Editor or Definition Editor x64 on the Apps page.
Almost all custom definitions are classified as “Normal”. Click menu item Definition Records | Create | Normal Definition. A new window appears.
The menu choices for the definition editor will change when this window is the active window.
The new Definition will be built up within the new window.
The new window lists all the fields that will be in the definition in a tree structure layout.
A NAME field is automatically created, since every record must have a name field.
Adding new fields or modifying existing fields are done using either the menu choices from the definition editor’s main window or by right clicking the mouse in the modify window on a field name to invoke a context menu with appropriate choices.
A normal Definition record has one field by default when first created. The NAME field is a character data type of 16-bytes by default, expandable to 24-bytes maximum. When creating a normal Definition record, the user is presented with this field as shown on the screenshot above.
The NAME field provides a location for storing the name of records built against the Definition record. Since the NAME field alone is usually not adequate for most applications, fields may be added or changed using the Field Creation Assistant dialog invoked form the Fields | New | Field option in the menu bar. This dialog can also be invoked by moving to the modify window, right-clicking the definition name at the head of the tree, and choosing New | Field from the context menu.
To create a new field name record in the Definition Editor Modify Window:
Choose menu option Fields | New | Field Name Record from the definition editor or click the Create Field Name Record button in the Field Creation Assistant. The dialog box shown on the screenshot below appears.
A new Field Name can be typed into the Name data box.
Each field name is itself an Aspen InfoPlus.21 data record therefore a Record ID must be specified. The Definition Editor automatically selects a free Record ID which is usually suitable. This record ID can be changed.
Field names can be defined by FieldNameDef (maximum 12 characters) or by FieldLongNameDef (maximum 20 characters); the Definition Editor automatically selects a suitable definition.
Each Field Name is associated with a Field Number. For each Field Name included in the Definition record, the last two numbers on the right (low 10 order bits) must be unique within that Definition record. Knowing this, Aspen InfoPlus.21 automatically provides a Field Number with a value that does not conflict with the field numbers of any of the fields already added to your Definition record.
Keywords: Definition Editor
Definition Records
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is LNG Exchanger in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: * Multi-Pass Heat Exchanger known as LNG Exchanger in Aspen HYSYS uses:
- Multiple hot and/or cold streams
* Degrees of freedom approach works much like a column operation in Aspen HYSYS
- Need to provide sufficient process information and constraints to satisfy unknow variables (DOF = 0)
- Various heat transfer specifications can be provided: outlet temperatures, UA, temperatures approach, etc.
* You can enter as many specifications as required; only the active specifications are used to solve the operation
* TwoSolutions approaches:
- For single unknown, exchanger energy balance is computed
- For multiple unknowns, iterative calculation is used to satisfy energy balance and any exchanger specifications
Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, LNG Exchanger, Multi-Pass Heat Exchanger
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is Safety Analysis Environment in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: * Safety Analysis Performs relief valve sizing and rating calculations in the Safety Analysis Environment
- Introduced in Aspen HYSYS V8.3
- Can be used as an alternative to HYSYS Dynamic Depressuring
* Contains full capabilities for PSV sizing calculation and report generation
* Enter Safety Analysis Environment from Home tab in ribbon or from Environment-selection menu
Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Safety Analysis, Environment
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the purpose of using Case Study in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: * Case Study allows you to monitor various dependent variables as independent variables are manipulated
- Multiple variables can be manipulated or monitored
* Added from the Home tab of the ribbon, clock the Case Studies button
* Results can be shown in tabular or graphical formats
* In conjunction with the Spreadsheet, the case study could be used to do rudimentary optimization
Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Case Study
References: None |
Problem Statement: How is the column efficiency designed in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: * By default, column calculation assume a theoretical, equilibrium stage model
- Number of stages defined refers to theoretical stages
To adjust column performance towards real behavior, enter efficiency data; two types available:
- Stage efficiency
- Component efficiencies
* Value of 1.0 assumes perfect, theoretical equilibrium separation
* Stage efficiencies useful for tuning a column to produce more realistic results
Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Column, Efficiency
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the purpose of Set Operation in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: Set operation fixes the value of a specific process variable relative to the same variable in another object.
Using the set operation, one can establish a linear relationship between the two variables:
Y = m*X + b
Where m = multiplier, b = offset
Keywords: Aspen HYSYS, Set, Operation
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the criteria our Physical Property System follows to select a liquid reference state in the calculation of pure liquid heat capacity and pure liquid enthalpy. | Solution: This is the criteria that our property system follows in the calculation of pure liquid enthalpy (HL) and pure liquid heat capacity (CPL):
1) For liquid reference state, the DHL09 subordinate property route has to be always selected. This route can be selected by checking Use liquid reference state on the Properties Methods | Specifications | Global sheet or by selecting the route on the Selected Methods | Routes sheet. This is the necessary initial condition, without this points 2 and 3 does not apply.
2) If a CPL parameter is available for a certain component (for example CPLDIP or CPLIKC), that model will be used in the calculation of pure component liquid heat capacity and pure component liquid enthalpy. The rest of components with no CPL parameters available will follow the standard model (integration from ideal gas heat capacity CPIG )
3) If the parameter COMPHL is specified for any component, either entered by the user or retrieved from the database, the liquid reference state will only be applied to the components for which COMPHL is equal to 1. For the rest of components, independently of the availability of CPL parameters, will follow the standard model (CPIG).
COMPHL acts as a switch that allows users to individually select which components will follow the liquid reference enthalpy route in your simulation.
Please make sure COMPHL is blank for ingredients that do not use the liquid reference enthalpy root.
Keywords: Liquid
References: State, Pure Liquid Heat Capacity, Pure Liquid Enthalpy |
Problem Statement: Some or all of the Mtell IIS pages and adapters are not working. These include:
Mtell View
MIMOSA
APM
EAM and Historian adapters
A view of the Mtell IIS pages from IIS Manager
Here are examples of the errors you will see for each of these pages. To browse the webpages:
Open IIS Manager
In the Connections page on the left, expand the server name, Sites, Default Website, AspenTech, Aspen Mtell and click on one of the IIS Pages, as shown in the picture above
In the Actions pane on the right, click on the link to Browse Application
Mtell View
Server Error in ‘/AspenTech/AspenMtell/MtellView’ Application
Runtime Error
Description: An exception occurred while processing your request. Additionally, another exception occurred while executing the custom error page for the first exception. The request has been terminated.
MIMOSA
Server Error in ‘/AspenTech/AspenMtell/InteropServer/MIMOSA’ Application.
Security Exception
Description: The application attempted to perform an operation not allowed by the security policy. To grant this application the required permission please contact your system administrator or change the application’s configuration file.
You can also see the status of MIMOSA by opening System Manager and going to Configuration -> Settings -> General and clicking the Test button next to the Server Name.
Connection to MIS Web Service [http://servername/AspenTech/AspenMtell/InteropServer/MIMOSA/OSAEAIManagement.asmx] failed.
[Error: The remote server returned an error: (500) Internal Server Error.]
Check IIS Manager to verify that ASP.Net v4 is enabled under ISAPI and CGI Restrictions.
APM
Server Error in ‘/AspenTech/AspenMtell/APM’ Application.
Security Exception
Description: The application attempted to perform an operation not allowed by the security policy. To grant this application the required permission please contact your system administrator or change the application’s configuration file.
Adapter
Server Error in ‘/AspenTech/AspenMtell/Adapter/adapter’ Application.
Security Exception
Description: The application attempted to perform an operation not allowed by the security policy. To grant this application the required permission please contact your system administrator or change the application’s configuration file.
You may also get an error when testing the status of your historian adapter in System Manager, under Configuration -> Settings -> Sensor Data Sources. Select the data source and click the Test button.
You may also see an ASP.NET error (event code 4010) in Windows Event Viewer associated with opening any of these pages. | Solution: This is a result of .NET Trust Levels being too low for these sites. The .NET Trust Levels can be changed in IIS Manager.
Open IIS Manager
In the Connections page on the left, expand the server name, Sites, Default Website, AspenTech, Aspen Mtell
Click on one of the affected pages (APM, MIMOSA, MtellView, and any adapters)
Select .NET Trust Levels
Change the Trust level to Full (internal)
Click Apply
Repeat steps 3-6 for all of the affected pages/applications
Restart IIS
You should now be able to navigate to these pages without error
Keywords: Mtell View error
Adapter error
Server error
Runtime error
Security exception
References: None |
Problem Statement: When you try to edit an existing agent or create a new agent in Aspen Mtell Agent Builder, on the Machine Learning Agent Wizard – Step 2 of 4 page, you get the following error:
(Default Exception Handler) Application Exception:
End Date cannot come before Start Date
This happens for all agents on a given Equipment Set.
Additionally, if you try to train an agent on this Equipment Set and you select Sync with Failure Library, you get the following error:
Error Training Agent:
Object reference not set to an instance of an object
Object reference not set to an instance of an object | Solution: This error occurs when you have a negative pre-failure interval on one of the failures for an asset/location in this Equipment Set. A pre-failure interval is the time period of detectable degradation leading up to a failure, so it does not make sense for the value to be negative. Changing it to a positive value will allow you to edit your agents again.
Open Aspen Mtell Agent Builder
Go to the Machine Learning tab and locate the Equipment Set which does not allow you to edit agents
Select the Assets/Locations tab for the Equipment Set and make note of the assets/locations
Go to the Failure Library tab
Click on each of the assets/locations in the Equipment pane on the left and check for failures with negative pre-failure intervals
When you find a negative pre-failure interval, double click on it and type to change it to a positive number
You should now be able to train and edit agents
Keywords: Edit agent error
Train agent error
End Date
Start Date
References: None |
Problem Statement: If the Windows Defender Firewall is blocking inbound connections, then the GDOT Online and Web Viewer servers will not be able to communicate. Here is a guide on how to create inbound rules to allow connections through certain ports. | Solution: The following article uses the connection between the GDOT Online server and the GDOT Web Viewer server as an example but can be applied to other AspenTech products that depend on the communication between servers to work.
When the GDOT Online server and the GDOT Web Viewer server components are installed on different machines, by default they communicate through port 8000, with a possible firewall in between.
To test if the ports are open and a connection can be established we can use the Command Prompt with Administrator rights, you need to type the following netstat command:
netstat -aon | find “8000”
If the connection is successful, it will show ESTABLISHED, otherwise it will simply show LISTENING or nothing at all.
What can stop the servers from communicating through specific ports is the Windows Defender Firewall. The default policy of the Windows Firewall is to allow outbound connections but block inbound connections that do not match a rule:
What we need to do to allow inbound connections through port 8000 is to create a new rule, this needs to be done on both servers. To do this you need to access the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security, click on the Inbound Rules, then on the Actions section select New Rule…
Now it’s just a matter of following the wizard to create the new inbound rule, you need to select:
Port
TCP / Specific local ports: 8000
Allow the connection
Select Domain and Private
Set up a name
After you click Finish, the new rule will appear on the list. Now if you try using netstat it should show ESTABLISHED:
This is only for the Windows Defender Firewall, if the connection is still unsuccessful there might be other firewalls set up by the IT department or other network problems. Another way to verify if both servers can communicate is to ping them from the Command Prompt, by default the Windows Firewall allows these types of connections [File and Printer Sharing (Echo Request - ICMPv4-In)].
Keywords: port, firewall, Windows Firewall, netstat, GDOT, Web Viewer
References: None |
Problem Statement: When attempting to create an SQLplus database link, the following error appears: Failed to open LINKS.DAT | Solution: Below are some of the possible causes that will result in the above error.
1. Directory does not exist.
When creating an SQLplus database link, the system attempts to access or, if necessary, create the file links.dat in the sql folder:
%ProgramData%\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\sql
Note: The actual directory used not only depends on the Windows version but also the version of InfoPlus.21 installed.
If the directory was not created during the installation of SQLplus or if the folder was improperly deleted, the error will appear when attempting to create a database link.
To resolve the error, the folder sql can be created manually.
2. SETCIMLINKS environment had been set up wrongly.
In V7.1 and above, even though the Aspen InfoPlus.21 environment variables are no longer used and are not created during installation. However the environment variable SETCIMLINKS can still be used.
For example, when the SETCIMLINKS is set to the following path without specifying a file name:
%ProgramData%\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\sql
When trying to create a database link, the error will also be encountered. The path needs to be specified with the file name included as shown below.
%ProgramData%\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\sql\links.dat
3. Aspen InfoPlus.21 security cache is corrupted.
In exceptional circumstances, after a restart of Aspen InfoPlus.21, the existing configured database link no longer shows beneath Database Links in Aspen SQLplus and existing QueryDef or CompQueryDef records which made use of the database link now execute with error. Attempts to add a new database link will display the above error. Furthermore, replacing the links.dat with a backup copy and restarting of Aspen InfoPlus.21 or the machine does not resolved the issue.
In this scenario, the Aspen InfoPlus.21 security cache, IP21AFWCACHE.dat could be corrupted. To force the local cache to get recreated, stop the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service in the Control Panel | Services. Delete the IP21AFWCACHE.DAT file from the group200 folder usually located at:
%ProgramData%\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\group200\
Restart the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service. A new cache file should be generated.
Keywords: modify link
Failed to open LINKS.DAT
References: None |
Problem Statement: This issue can occur when you are using an alias for the Alert Manager server. The most common reason is because you have a wildcard certificate you want to use that is different from the server’s fully qualified domain name (FQDN).
For example, the wildcard certificate is issued to *.aspentech.com, but the FQDN is APM.domain.com. In this case you might create an alias for the server, such as alertmanager.aspentech.com.
If you try to view the STAR and Catch page while using a certificate that points to an alias, the information will not populate.
The STAR page will say Loading
The Catch page will say ERR
This is because the STAR and Catch page uses the FQDN to pull information, not the alias. | Solution: You will need to generate a certificate for the FQDN. A self-signed certificate is fine.
Start IIS Manager.
Under Connections at the left, click the name of the computer.
In the middle panel, under IIS, double-click Server Certificates.
Under Actions on the right, click Create Self-Signed Certificate.
Enter a friendly name to identify this certificate, then click OK.
Next, we need to add this new certificate to the bindings.
Under Connections at the left, open the name of the computer, then Sites, right-click Default Web Site, and click Edit Bindings.
Click Add.
In the Add Site Binding dialog box, change the Type to https, enter the FQDN as Host name, and for SSL certificate select the friendly name you specified above.
Click OK, then click Close.
Select your wildcard certificate in the bindings and click Edit.
Check the box for Require Server Name Indication. The host name should be filled out with the alias.
Navigate back to the STAR and Catch page in Alert Manager, and you should see a list of your live agents appear in the STAR page.
Keywords: Alert Manager STAR
Alert Manager Catch
Empty STAR and Catch
STAR and Catch Error
References: None |
Problem Statement: Say for example you have a model which evaluates the PSD of solids in crystalization operations. There are various measures which could be of interest, such as:
- the average particle size
- the median size | Solution: The average particle size is easy to evaluate, as it is the sum of the sizes multiplied by the PSD fractions.
The median particle size is a bit more tricky as you have to find the size which cuts the PSD curve in two parts of equal area. It is a bit of a challenge to write this in equation-based form, so it is better to write it in a procedure.
Procedure code:
SUBROUTINE MEDIAN(SIZE,NS,FRAC,NF,SMED,IFAIL)
IMPLICIT NONE
INTEGER NS, NF, IFAIL
DOUBLE PRECISION SIZE(NS), FRAC(NF), SMED
INTEGER I
DOUBLE PRECISION FCUM
IFAIL=2
SMED=SIZE(1)
C accumulate fractions until we've reached 50%
FCUM=0d0
DO I=1, NS
FCUM=FCUM + FRAC(I)
IF(FCUM.GE.0.5d0)THEN
C back track the median via interpolation
IF(I.LT.NS)THEN
SMED=SIZE(I) + (SIZE(I+1)-SIZE(I))*(FCUM-0.5d0)
ELSE
C last interval
SMED=SIZE(I)
ENDIF
IFAIL=1
GOTO 999
ENDIF
ENDDO
999 RETURN
END
Procedure definition
Procedure pMedian
library: median.dll;
call: median;
implementation: subroutine median.f;
inputs: real(*), real(*);
outputs: realvariable;
End
Model:
Model test
x as domain (highestorderderivative:0);
q as distribution1d (xdomain is x);
psd as distribution1d (xdomain is x);
scale_ as realvariable;
stddev as realvariable (0.1, fixed);
mean as realvariable (fixed, 0.2);
// normal distribution
for i in [0:x.endnode] do
q(i) = exp(-((x(i)-mean)/stddev)^2);
endfor
// normalization
scale_ = sigma(q);
for i in [0:x.endnode] do
psd(i) = q(i)/scale_;
endfor
// average (should be very close to mean)
Laverage as realvariable;
Laverage = sigma(x*psd);
// median (should also be very close to mean)
Lmedian as realvariable;
call (Lmedian) = pMedian(x.value([0:x.endnode]), psd.value([0:x.endnode]));
End
The example is attached for ACM version V12.1
Keywords: median, PSD
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to include CAS Numbers in a new Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED) Databank? | Solution: You can create a component databank of property parameters from legacy DFMS input files (.inp) and MMTBS files (.dat) from the DFMS format input.file (dfm file) expoerted from Aspen Properties or Aspen Plus.
For including CAS numbers, you need to manually create a .dat file with the following format.
It starts with the first three lines as follows:
DBANK ADD DBNAME
NONE
system
where DBNAME is the databank name and the file should be renamed as DBNAME.dat
Then enter three lines for each component as follows:
alias name charge
mw bp vlstd
casrn componentclass
The first line must be entered as component alias, name, and charge correctly.
The second line can be entered if you know the values. If not, you can enter * * *.
The CAS number of component (casrn) is entered as the first element of the third line. componentclass can be entered as *.
Below is an example for Methane. You can enter values for each element:
CH4 METHANE 0
16.0425 111.670 0.535578E-01
74-82-8 n-Alkanes
or
CH4 METHANE 0
* * *
74-82-8 *
Note that each component must have three lines and CAS number must be the first element in the third line. This is by design.
It is also possible to add an additional .dat file with synonyms for the component.
SYNONYMS ADD CH4
4
FIRE DAMP
MARSH GAS
METHYL HYDRIDE
REFRIGERANT 50
The files needed to create an example databank with CH4 are attached.
Keywords: CAS, database
References: : VSTS 994448 |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base | Solution: shows which versions of Aspen Mtell are compatible with the different versions of APM Insights and Aspen Mtell Alert Manager.
Solution
Mtell V11.1 Mtell V12.0 Mtell V12.0.1 Mtell V12.0.2 Mtell V12.0.3 Mtell V12.0.4 Mtell V12.0.5 Mtell V12.0.6
APM Insights
V12.0 Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible
APM Insights V12.0.1 Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible
APM Insights V12.0.2 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible
APM Insights V12.0.2.1 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible
APM Insights V12.2 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible
APM Insights V12.2 + Alert Manager V12.0.2.2 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible
Alert Manager V12.0.1 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible
Alert Manager V12.0.2 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible Not Compatible
Alert Manager V12.0.2.1 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Not Compatible
Alert Manager V12.0.2.2 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible
Alert Manager V12.0.3 Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible
Beginning with Mtell V14.0, Alert Manager is installed with Mtell and will have the same version number.
Keywords: Mtell Alert Manager compatibility
APM Insights compatibility
References: None |
Problem Statement: Are the ASME codes updated in EDR V12.2? | Solution: Yes, ASME 2021 is incorporated into EDR V12.2.
Keywords: EDR, ASME 2021
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to merge two Flare System Analyzer files? | Solution: Yes, to do so you need to export one of the files and then import it into the other one. The general procedure for Import/Export can be found inSolution 000090485.
There in the first step of the import, make sure that you uncheck the box that says Import as New. If you do not uncheck this box you will replace all the information from your file.
It is extremely important that each object and scenario is named different. If there two objects that have the same name then Flare System Analyzer will not create a new object but rather assume that it is the same.
Also, it is possible that if two object are placed on the exact same place they will appear overlapped, rearranging the objects in the flowsheet might be necessary.
NOTE: Import of very big files is not recommended as it can cause the file to get corrupted.
Keywords: Flare System Analyzer, Merge Files, Copy, Paste, Import Files.
References: None |
Problem Statement: I am getting errors in MOC, how do I enable debugging mode? | Solution: By default debug is activated in MOC although you need to add additional keys to get additional information on a specific feature behavior or error message.
Debug files are, by default, located in: C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\AeBRS\MOC\Debug
To review a list of the debug:
Up to V10, open in Notepad the file:
C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\AeBRS\cfg_source\config.m2r_cfg
V11 and later, open in Notepad the file:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\AeBRS\cfg_source\config.m2r_cfg
Search for DEBUG_KEYS and enable logging of various keys by adding or removing the '#' in front of the key.
Once you have modified the keys you wish then save the file and make sure that you run the file codify_all.cmd file located in the same cfg_source folder otherwise the changes will not take effect.
There is a short list and explanation of some of the debug keys in this file. You maybe asked by development to add additional keys not listed.
Keywords: AeBRS
APEM
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I set a specific timeline range for a graphic created in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Browser Graphic Studio? | Solution: It is possible to accomplish this by using Javascript OnLoad event for the specific graphic.
An example is provided here:
var dateNow = new Date();
var msNowPlus = dateNow.getTime() + (15 * 1000); // 15 seconds ahead of now
var msTwoHours = (2 * 60 * 60 * 1000);
setTimeWindow(msNowPlus - msTwoHours, msNowPlus);
Note, if you want to ensure that the timeline is in Realtime mode then add the following Javascript function:
setTimelineRealTime(true);
Keywords: 135159-2
time span
Action OnClick
A1PE
References: None |
Problem Statement: Connecting to Aspen InfoPlus.21 OPC DA server from an OPC client application fails. No IP21DA_Server.exe process is listed in the Task Manager on the Aspen InfoPlus.21 server. You also see a crash event recorded on the Aspen InfoPlus.21 server in Window Event Viewer | Windows Logs | Application:
Faulting application name: IP21DA_Server.exe, version: aaaa.b.c.ddd, time stamp: 0xAAAAAAAA
Faulting module name: IP21DA_Server.exe, version: aaaa.b.c.ddd, time stamp: 0xAAAAAAAA
Exception code: 0xc0000005 | Solution: The Aspen InfoPlus.21 server product includes a OPC DA server, Aspen.InfoPlus21_DA.1 that allows OPC compliant programs to connect and view information from the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database. This is a .NET component that needs to be made available to the component object model (COM) runtime by registering the components in the COM registry.
If there were problems registering the components in the COM registry during the installation of Aspen InfoPlus.21 server product the Aspen.InfoPlus21_DA.1 server may not allow OPC clients to connect to it.
This can be resolved by reregistering the Aspen InfoPlus.21 OPC DA server; open a Command Prompt window (Run as Administrator) and execute the following commands to register a dependent .NET assembly for use by COM:
64-bit Aspen InfoPlus.21:
%windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\regasm.exe /register C:\Program Files\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code\IP21DAServer.dll
32-bit Aspen InfoPlus.21:
%windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\regasm.exe /register C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code\IP21DAServer.dll
Note, the above assumes you have installed the MES software into the default location - change paths as necessary.
Keywords: 134547-2
COM/OPC error 0x80004005 on CoCreateInstance()
Error string: Unspecified error
Could not connect to server 'Aspen.Infoplus21_DA.1'
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to track greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in terms of CO2 equivalents of global warming potential (GWP)? | Solution: Aspen Plus V7.3 includes new features for calculating the net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with your process. You may also enter a carbon fee (cost/equivalent mass of carbon dioxide) to calculate the annual carbon tax. These features are based on methods published by the US EPA and the European Commission - see the reference section at the end of this document for details.
Watch this animated tutorial to see a four-minute demonstration showing how you can calculate GHG emissions for your process.
Play Viewlet Now!
Calculating Carbon Equivalents in Streams
Greenhouse gas emissions are most often reported in terms of carbon equivalents, usually written as CO2e or CO2-eq. This is a measure of the total global warming impact of volatile emissions over a given time span, most commonly 100 years. The CO2e is calculated by summing the product of the mass flow rate of a given species by the GWP (Global Warming Potential). The GWP is determined by evaluating the total warming resulting from a given gas over a fixed time period relative to the amount of warming caused by carbon dioxide. This depends on the radiative properties of the gas, as well as the reaction products of the gas as it decomposes in the upper atmosphere. The GWP values are estimates which continue to be refined over time, however there are a few well accepted sources including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the European Union, and the US EPA.
Aspen Plus includes a database of three sets of GWP values based on standards published by the IPCC and the US EPA. Aspen Plus also includes three new property sets (PROP-SETs) to report the carbon equivalents for each stream in a process model. The table below lists the three property sets and gives some examples of the global warming potentials associated with the three most common greenhouse gases. There are many known GHG including CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, and a wide variety of chlorofluorocarbons. Aspen Plus includes the GWP factors for all listed greenhouse gases which are in the Aspen Plus pure component and NIST databases.
GWP (Global Warming Potential, 100 year basis) (Three most common greenhouse gases)
Prop-Set Name
Source
Description
CO2
CH4
N2O
CO2E-SAR
IFPP (1995)
Second Annual Report of IFPP/IPCC
1
21
310
CO2E-AR4
IFPP (2007)
Fourth Annual Report of IFPP/IPCC
1
25
298
CO2E-US
USEPA (2009)
US Environmental Protection Agency
1
21
310
Example: for the US EPA method, the carbon equivalents are calculated as:
CO2e = FCO2 + 21*FCH4 + 310*FN2O + ?.
Calculating Carbon Equivalents Associated with Process Utilities
Government bodies in the European Union and United States have developed a set of standards for carbon emissions monitoring, tracking, and reporting. Similar methodology has been adapted. In both cases the carbon emissions from fixed, fired heat sources can be calculated from the energy use rate and the ?CO2 emission factor?, a measure of the CO2 generated by the consumption of fuel. The CO2 emissions factors are estimates which depend on various assumptions including fuel quality (for example moisture content and ultimate analysis in coal), combustion efficiency, and political factors (for example, the EU reporting rules treat biofuels as carbon-neutral, while the US policy does not).
The process utility feature in Aspen Plus V7.3 has been extended to automatically calculate the CO2 equivalents associated with the consumption of process utilities. Process utilities can be assigned to any unit operation that requires heat, cooling, power, or work.
In each Utility block, you can specify one of the fuel types from European Commission Decision 2007/589/EC or United States Environmental Protection Agency Rule E9-5711, or specify your own emission factor for the utility, or specify a fuel composition. When you specify a fuel composition, the emission factor is calculated by assuming the fuel is burned to completion, and all the carbon in the fuel is converted to CO2. The CO2 emission rate is calculated by taking the product of the utility energy use ?Q? (energy/time) and emission factor ?EF? (kg CO2/energy) divided by the thermal efficiency:
The Utilities | Setup form includes a new 'Carbon Tracking' tabsheet. This is an optional sheet - to activate it check the 'Calculate CO2 emissions' option box. Next choose the CO2 emission factor option - select from the European, US EPA, User, or fuel composition option. If you select the US or EU option the next step is to enter a fuel type. The emission factor will be populated from the databases built into Aspen Plus. Alternately, enter a user-specified emission factor or use the lower section of the form to enter fuel composition. You may optionally enter the fuel conversion efficiency.
Note that you can use negative emissions factors to account for utility recovery. For example, you may recover heat with a steam generator in the process. You must select the 'User' option to specify a negative emission factor.
After you run the model, the carbon equivalents will be reported for each process utility on the utility result summary form. Carbon equivalents are reported on a mass flow basis.
Calculating Carbon Tax
Aspen Plus also reports the overall Greenhouse Gas generation rate and the annual carbon tax. You must enter a carbon tax/fee (rate/equivalent mass of CO2) on the Setup| Simulation Options form as shown below. Use the same form to specify the calculation basis for CO2 equivalents generated in the process by chemical reactions or combusion.
After running the simulation, the total carbon generation rate and the annual carbon tax are reported on the new 'Result Summary | CO2 Emissions Summary' form. The top section of this form reports the total CO2 equivalents from streams, from process utilities, and the overall net total. The annual carbon fee/tax is also reported here. You can view the totals for the plant as a whole or for any hierarchy model within the plant. The lower section reports the CO2 equivalents associated with the feed and product streams of the selected hierarchy.
The CO2 equivalents, annual CO2 fee, and other variables associated with the CO2 tracking feature are accessible for sensitivity studies, design specifications, etc. These variables are also exposed for equation-oriented simulations.
Keywords: None
References: s for Utility block emissions calculations
European Commission Decision 2007/589/EC: Official Journal of the European Commission, 31.8.2007, L229/1.
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:229:0001:0085:EN:PDF
United States Environmental Protection Agency Rule E9-5711: Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 68 / Friday, April 10, 2009 / Proposed Rules, pp 16639-16641 (Table C-1. C-2, C-3).
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/04/10/E9-5711/mandatory-reporting-of-greenhouse-gases
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/rule_e9-5711.pdf |
Problem Statement: With the release of MES cumulative patch 3 for v8.8 it is now possible to specify any path on the aspenONE Process Explorer (a1PE) web server as the location of the files that get displayed in the Menu Tree (and in later versions the Navigation Pane) - these files represent the published graphics, saved trends, dashboards etc.
Up until this point such files were typically stored within IIS, in sub folders on this path:
C:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\ProcessExplorer\Files\
This | Solution: describes how to correctly configure a custom folder for the a1PE user files. It also describes known symptoms of problems you may see if you have not followed all the steps correctly.Solution
1. Specify the a1PE root directory in the Process Data REST service config file.
To do this open the Process Data REST service config file using a text editor. Typically, you will find the config file here:
C:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\ProcessData\AtProcessDataREST.config
Near the top of this file are the REST options. Look there for the relevant section:
<!-- Directory for A1PE files
If not defined, then root is where application data is stored.
Generally C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\A1PE
-->
<A1PE_Root_Directory></A1PE_Root_Directory>
You need to insert the custom path into the content section of the A1PE_Root_Directory element. For example, if the intention is to move the location of the a1PE Files folder to E:\AspenTech\A1PE\Files then change the A1PE_Root_Directory element to:
<A1PE_Root_Directory>E:\AspenTech\A1PE</A1PE_Root_Directory>
Note, do not include the Files sub folder otherwise you are likely not to see anything when you click on the Public, Private or Templates boxes on the Menu Tree in Process Explorer.
2. Open the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager (inetmgr.exe). Expand the tree so you can see the Default Web Site node. Select the Files virtual directory just below the ProcessExplorer application.
Note, in v8.8.3 this virtual directory will (likely) need to be added manually to the ProcessExplorer application. This will be particularly obvious if you had already moved the Files folder from its original location since you will not now see Files in IIS Manager. You need a Files virtual directory otherwise Basic Settings is not available and you will not be able to specify a custom folder.
Click the Basic Settings link to open the Edit Virtual Directory dialog:
In the Physical Path edit box you should specify the path to your custom location of the Files folder.
Click the Test Settings button to verify access to the physical path.
You may see Authorization error and the message Cannot verify access to path:
If you do then you are likely to experience the problems mentioned later on in thisSolution. If you do have problems with images as described below, you will need to set the identity of ProcessExplorer's associated Application Pool. To do this click on the ProcessExplorer application and click Basic Settings to determine the Application Pool. By default, this is likely to be AspenAppPool:
Configure that Application Pool so it uses an identity that can access the Files folder.
Note, by default AspenAppPool runs under the identity of LocalSystem. LocalSystem has limited capability by design and works fine within IIS which will explain why you are having authorization issues with your folder placed elsewhere in the file system.
Click Advanced Settings to change the identity to a user account with sufficient privileges:
You should then run iisreset.exe to ensure that the changes can fully take effect.
Note: Any users who had previously opened the Process Explorer web site will need to clear their browser cache after you made such changes otherwise the browser may hang onto invalid images. Instructions for clearing the cache should be provided by the web browser product.
Symptoms of misconfiguration
Image files that belong to graphics get stored separately in this Files area. You will immediately realize you have problems should you fail to see your images either when you open the graphics or if you attempt to see the graphic's thumbnail image on the Search for Everything page.
Additional information (Spring 2022)
One customer followed the instructions above yet still had the symptoms as if theSolution had not been implemented correctly. In that case the customer was running V11 CP1 and resolved the issue by applying V11 CP2:
Aspen MES V11.0.2 Cumulative Patches - December 2020
https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_SoftwareDeliveryDetail?id=a0e4P00000OwGNUQA3
(Please complete a reboot if requested)
followed by a Process Data patch:
Aspen_ProcessData_V11.0.2_ECR_00720819 For Aspen Process Data version V11.0.2
https://esupport.aspentech.com/apex/S_SoftwareDeliveryDetail?id=a0e4P00000RnT8aQAF
Also, the following things can be done from a diagnostic / troubleshooting standpoint:
1. Open a web browser on the A1PE server and navigate to:
http://localhost/aspentech/ProcessData/Samples/Sample_Home.html
This will take you to a page called Aspen Process Data REST: Samples.
2. In the middle top of that screen, in the File Queries section, click the Command link. This will take you to a new page.
IMPORTANT: On v12 and newer versions the Client drop-down box will default to an acceptable choice (i.e. Process Browser). Make sure this is selected (not Undefined, for example):
3. On this new page click the Issue Request button on the left. This should attempt to read the folder structure - it will put the results on the bottom of the web browser screen. Please make a screenshot of that.
4. Next, on that same screen, go back up to the 'Command' drop-down box. The next choice down in that list is Get Folder and Files. Select Get Folder and Files and then click the Issue Request button. Please send us a screenshot of those results.
5. Select Get User Profile from the list and issue the request. Send us that screenshot, please.
6. Below that is Folder Create. Pick that and then in the Target box put same name like Football or something unique. Click Issue Request and see if it makes a subdirectory beneath the public folder with that name. Let us know.
Keywords: JPEG icon
Missing picture
White cross on black square
jpg is not loading properly
References: None |
Problem Statement: A bucket is a container inside an SLM license file of type Network that allows grouping license keys. The first bucket is indicated as the Default bucket. This purpose of this Knowledge Base article is to describe how to make the client computers access non-default bucket(s) by using the SLM Configuration Wizard. | Solution: 1. Go to Start | All Programs | AspenONE SLM license manager
2. Click on the Configure button (You will need administrator rights to complete the following steps)
3. On the license server that is already configured, click on the Show Bucket Icon.
4. Here you can select the buckets the client machine will use for licensing, you can add buckets by checking the box next to the bucket name, remove them by unchecking the box next to the bucket name and rearrange the order of the buckets by clicking the bucket name and then clicking on the directional arrows on the right of the window, the order is important, because it will set up from which bucket it will search licenses first, once you have set up the buckets how you want them, click Done.
5. Click the Apply Changes button to finish the configuration of the buckets.
NOTES: If there are applications on the online server and the above steps do not resolve the issue.
Delete the application from the online server and Redeploy the application
Keywords: SLM Configuration Wizard, adding buckets, Default Bucket
References: None |
Problem Statement: When modifying a limit on the Aspen APC Web Interface, there is the box for “Optional comment for this change” but it is not clear where these messages are stored, they do not appear on the Messages section. | Solution: When modifying a limit on the Aspen APC Web Interface, there is a text box to write optional comments justifying this change:
These comments are stored by Aspen Watch, the way to retrieve them is on PCWS going to the History tab -> Aspen Watch (APC) -> ControllerName and going to the Message Log section.
Also, we can review them on the InfoPlus.21 database administrator, by going to Definition Records -> AW_MessageDef -> AWMessages -> AW_#_IN_MEMORY…
Keywords: PCWS, optional comment, comment, aspen watch, web interface
References: None |
Problem Statement: User defined entries can be displayed on the Aspen APC Web Interface as a column for Operators or Engineers to see, this can be done by creating or modifying the apc.user.display.config file. | Solution: Let’s use as an example a User Defined Entry called UDExample1 that is connected to the DCS and reads valuable information for each variable that we want the operators to easily see from the Aspen APC Web Interface.
The way to add it as a column is by creating or modifying the apc.user.display.config file under C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Web Server\Products\APC . This is the code that would be used for adding UDExample1 to both Dependents and Independents on PCWS.
<acp.product.display productName=APC>
<variableRoles>
<variableRole name=UserDefined multiplicity=One>
<variableRole name=Dependent multiplicity=One>
<variableRole name=Dependent multiplicity=OnePlus>
<entries>
<entry name=UDExample1 value=float>
<runtime isInputToApp=True isResultFromApp=True changePermission=OperatorChange />
<display description=User Defined Entry Example columnHeader=UD Example 1 />
</entry>
</entries>
</variableRole>
</variableRole>
<variableRole name=Independent multiplicity=One>
<variableRole name=Independent multiplicity=OnePlus>
<entries>
<entry name=UDExample1 value=float>
<runtime isInputToApp=True isResultFromApp=True changePermission=OperatorChange />
<display description=User Defined Entry Example columnHeader=UD Example 1 />
</entry>
</entries>
</variableRole>
</variableRole>
</variableRole>
</variableRoles>
</acp.product.display>
You need to modify the entry name, display description, and columnHeader, once this is saved as apc.user.display.config on the previously mentioned folder, you simply need to restart the Aspen APC Web Provider Data Service.
After the service starts if you navigate on PCWS to Configuration -> Column Sets -> APC RTE you will see UDExample1 under the Available section for both dependents and independents, now it’s a matter of adding it to the column sets where it is required.
After applying the changes, you will see this user entry as a column on the controllers that have UDExample1 as a User Defined Entry.
Attached to this article you will find a pdf with the template code as well as instructions on where you need to add new sections if you have more than 1 User Defined Entry that you want as a column.
Keywords: User Entries, User Defined Entry, column, PCWS, Aspen APC Web Interface, RTE
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to Download and Install Aspen Fidelis V12 CP6 to Work with ENG Tokens?
Prerequisites:
Before starting the installation process, it is necessary to get the updated license file to the SLM Server.
We recommend you Request support from AspenTech CS&T to get an updated license file.
This can be done by filling out the form available at https://esupport.aspentech.com/s_licenserequest
Alternatively, it is possible to utilize the Aspen License Deployment Assistant, a guide and a video can be found at https://esupport.aspentech.com/S_Article?id=000098984
Once this has been completed proceed with preparing a machine for Installation
Review the Aspen Fidelis platform requirements at https://www.aspentech.com/en/platform-support Special attention has to be given to making sure the machine has Microsoft Excel and Visual Studio 2017 (Aspen Fidelis will work with Community (free), Professional, and Enterprise editions of Visual Studio)
Obtain a machine with the required platform specifications
Install Microsoft Excel
Install Visual Studio 2017 (https://my.visualstudio.com/Downloads?q=visual%20studio%202017&wt.mc_id=o~msft~vscom~older-downloads )
Downloading and configuring
Go to Download Center in AspenTech eSupport Home Page
Go to AspenONE V12 Media
Click “Download” button right next to Aspen Fidelis V12
Wait until download is completed (“Aspen-V12-APM-AF.zip”)
Click “Show Patches” button right next to Aspen Fidelis V12
The list of patches that you have access to will appear
Click on “Aspen Fidelis V12.0.6 (V12 CP6)” link. A new page will open
Scroll down to the “Attachments” section
Click on “Aspen Fidelis V12 CP6.zip”
Wait until download is completed (“Aspen Fidelis V12 CP6.zip”)
Move the two downloaded zip files to the corresponding machine where Aspen Fidelis will be installed
Extract the contents of the two zip files
Installation process
Open the extracted folder “Aspen-V12-APM-AF”
Run “Setup.exe” and follow installation wizard
If necessary, the installation guide “AFR-Inst_V12.pdf” can be found in \aspenONEMedia\Documents\Deployment and Install Guides
Ensure no other AspenTech applications are running during this install process
After the install process is completed, reboot the machine
Open the extracted folder “Aspen Fidelis V12 CP6”
Run “AspenFidelis64bit_V12_CP6.exe”
Ensure no other AspenTech applications are running during this install process
After installation is complete, verify that the file version of “AspenFidelis.exe” is 38.0.6.41
This file is in C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Fidelis V12.0\XEQ
Run the file “AspenFidelisLicenseUtility.exe”
Select “ENG” option and click “OK” button
Launch Aspen Fidelis V12 from the Windows Start menu or shortcut
Aspen Fidelis will now be setup and configured to utilize ENG tokens
Known issues
License checkout failed. There was a problem in getting the license SLM_RN_MNA_Reliability
Cause:
Aspen Fidelis is looking for the corresponding APM license, but it could not be found. If you are expecting Aspen Fidelis to work with ENG tokens, then this is due to not having Aspen Fidelis configured to use the ENG tokens. | Solution: Close Aspen Fidelis.
Go to Windows Start menu.
Expand the Aspen Fidelis folder.
Open “Aspen Fidelis License Declaration”.
Select “ENG” option.
Click “OK” button.
Launch Aspen Fidelis.
License checkout failed. There was a problem in getting the license SLM_RN_APM_AFT
Cause:
Aspen Fidelis is looking for the ENG token license, but it could not be found. If you are expecting Aspen Fidelis to work with ENG tokens, then this is due to 1) not having the updated ENG license file, or 2) not pointing to the proper SLM Server.Solution
In the machine where Aspen Fidelis is installed, open “AspenONE SLM License Manager”.
Click on “License Profiler”.
Select the license server in the dropdown.
Click on “Load Information” button.
Check that the next licenses appear in the table:
SLM_RN_APM_AFT
SLM_RN_APM_AFR_CRA
SLM_RN_APM_AFR_FAST
If these licenses do not appear, you need to add the proper SLM Server with them, or get the updated ENG license file (contact CS&T or your SAM).
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to determine whether the IQ history file is corrupted? | Solution: (A) Extract History File to Examine if Corrupted:
Online IQ applications have their own internal databases that store data use for bias updating. On occasion, those history files can get corrupted, especially during an unexpected reboot of the server. Once the history is corrupted, the update process stops updating the bias. The symptom of a corrupted history file is that the update process stops updating the bias even though the sample passes validation. One can also turn on debugging for the update process during a bias updating and examine the debug iq2_xxx.dbg file. The debug file would show no good values during bias updating even though it indicates that that the data is there.
To verify that the data is corrupted, run iq_extract from a Command Prompt Window. From the menu, choose option 1 to Open the history file, then select option 1 for Select history file for an Aspen IQ application, then enter the application name when prompted, and then select option 4 for Lab Bias Update.
The above steps will make the History File accessible so we can extract it. From the Main Menu, now choose option 4 for Aspen IQ History Output Menu, then choose option 8 for Extract history values to CSV file. This will extract the data in a CSV format that can be opened in Excel.
Use Excel to open the CSV and examine the data. There will be missing data where you would expect data to exist. There may also be corruption here that is not so obvious from the CSV file that was created.
(B) Fix Corrupted History Files
Unfortunately there isn't a way to retain historical data when trying to fix the corrupted files. In order for the application to update again, the corrupted history files need to be removed so that IQ can generate a new history file. This will result in the historical data to be lost. To remove the corrupted files:
Open APCManage and stop and delete the IQ application, along with the history. In the dialog window of deleting an IQ, there's a checkbox for remove history, you can click that and then delete.
The previous step should remove all of the .HIS and .HBK for the IQ in this directory, but you can verify if it did and if not you can delete them manually here: C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Online\sys\app
Then load the IQ fresh without history and start the application. This will create new history files.
Note that there isn't a way to target deleting history for just one inferential as part of an IQF that contains multiple inferentials, it would be deleting history for all of the inferential models in the IQF. If you notice the history files, there are .HIS files for individual lab modules like LDC and LBU but that covers all inferentials in the IQ and not individual ones.
Keywords: IQ, update, bias, history, corruption, data, loss
References: None |
Problem Statement: What are the conditions (temperature and pressure) for the Bulk Specific Gravity value specified for an Assay/Blend? | Solution: The specific gravity is at 60 F and 1 atm.
For a stream with the assay, the specific gravity can be reported using the Specific Gravity (SG) or Standard Specific Gravity (SGSTD) properties (They are the same) to verify. The attached file can be opened in V11 and higher.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: This article frames a couple of settings to check when the download of Zipped files from PCWS Fails | Solution: PCWS V12.1 allow you to download Collected Tag information using the Aspen Watch Maker Miscellaneous tag utility. The data collection is retrieved from the AspenWatch Server (IP21) using a default SQL script that returns some vec. Files in a compressed zip file format. This process is automatically executed, and the download should start right away (depending on the browser it may ask for some further actions).
In some cases, this action cannot be completed by prompting messages that would indicate that the information could be downloaded because the setting, policy, or account would not allow it. This is particularly true in server machines where the Security policies may be rigorous.
In any case, there are a couple of settings that can be reviewed and changed to allow these files to be successfully downloaded.
All these checks can be performed using Internet Explorer
Disable Compatibility View – as Internet Explorer is moving a not supported product, multiple changes and incompatibilities have been found in some cases PCWS would have this type of problem. So, it is a good practice to disable the compatibility view from Internet Explorer this can be done by:
Open Internet Explorer >> Tools (Gear Icon on the top right hand) >> Compatibility Views Settings >> Uncheck Display intranet in Compatibility View and Uncheck Use Microsoft compatibility list
Add PCWS to Trusted Sites – All Trustable sites should be always added to the list to avoid further interference. PCWS is not an exception to the rule, it is also a would practice keeping in the Trusted List to avoid potential access problems. To add PCWS to the Trusted Sites: Open Internet Explorer >> Tools (Gear Icon on the top right hand) >> Internet Options >> Security >> Select Trusted Sites >> Sites >> and select Add making sure the URL to PCWS is selected.
Modify Internet Custom Level settings – This basically requires checking that the download actions are enabled. Open Internet Explorer >> Tools (Gear Icon on the top right hand) >> Internet Options >> Security >> Custom Level… >> Scroll down to the downloads section and make sure File Download is Enable
Keywords: PCWS, Misc Tags, Zip File
References: None |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Plus 12.1, I click “AI Training” from the “Home” tab on the ribbon. An error message about working folder name shows up as follows: | Solution: Please change username to not include special characters like _
We believe it is industry standard that certain special characters are not accepted in usernames and passwords. For example, gmail has similar limitations in username selection.
While Windows allows users to use _ any change for us would involve numerous other areas of our code. At this time, we believe the feature works as designed and we don't have a plan to fix in v12.1. However, we will consider addressing this in a future version of our products.
Key Words:
AI Training, Aspen Online, Alphanumeric, special characters
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to pause a simulation at a specific time using a Task in Aspen Custom Modeler? | Solution: The following example and attached file illustrates how to pause a simulation at any specific time using a Task inside Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM).
1. Declare a variable on the Flowsheet, then you can define the equation to calculate time, for example:
EndTime as time_(free);
EndTime = 0.90 + 0.07;
Please note that time_ variable will always have a value in hours, regardless of the model units. The expression to define EndTime could be a fixed value (like in this example) or based on other variables from the simulation too.
2. In the Flowsheet folder in the Simulation Explorer, click Add Task to define a Task (it can be a main task of parallel to a main task) with the following statements:
Task timesetup RUNS AT 0
Wait for time >= EndTime;
Pause;
End
3. Activate the Task in the Flowsheet folder and run the simulation. Make sure you compiled both the flowsheet variables and the task before running:
Keywords: Time, task, ACM, pause simulation
References: None |
Problem Statement: When using AORA on Windows 10, an empty error box pops up when selecting the Expert View under Tools. What is the cause of the issue and how to resolve it? | Solution: This issue usually happens when moving a 32-bit AORA software from a 32-bit Windows operation system to a 64-bit Windows operation system. The AspenTech.MSC.Settings.xml file in C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\AspenTech folder was configured based on the 32-bit operation system. After transferring it to a new 64-bit operation system, the Export System Path, AORA Report Path, and Batch Process Path need to be reconfigured to point to the Program Files (x86) folder on the 64-bit operation system.
Please replace all of the characters Program Files with Program Files (x86) in the AspenTech.MSC.Settings.xml file and the Batch process tool. After that, the export system aion.ini and other existing AORA reports were able to point to the correct path in the Program Files (x86) folder.
The empty error box will be eliminated after this fix, and the existing AORA reports can be running without any issue.
Keywords: Empty error box
AORA
AspenTech.MSC.Settings.xml
References: None |
Problem Statement: Recload files and their corresponding definition records | Solution: A recload (.RLD) file is a file of records that is loaded into the database. Some RLD files are designated as default selections when using the Snapshot Creation Wizard, while others can be selected manually. Additionally, when upgrading, you may need to manually load RLD files using InfoPlus.21 Manager in order to use some new features.
Below is the list of recload files and their corresponding definition records
Accounting.RLD -- AccountingDef
AlertUser.rld -- AlertUserDef
aspencalc.rld -- AspenCalcDef
cimio.rld -- IoGetDef
cimsqlplus.rld -- QueryDef
Comment.rld -- IP_CommentDef
Compliance.RLD -- CMLimitDef
gen_apps.rld -- PlantSystemsDef
ip21health.rld -- IP21HealthDef
kpi.rld -- KPIDef IP21
newcimq21.rld -- Q_XBARDef
PatternSearch.rld -- IP_PatMonDef
pims.rld -- IP_AnalogDef
Keywords: Recload
.RLD
References: None |
Subsets and Splits