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Problem Statement: How does one change the display units for all tool tips used in a simulation?
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Solution: By hovering your cursor over any process variable in Aspen HYSYS, a tool tip will appear that displays a set of equivalent numerical values using several pre-defined unit sets, as in the following image:
By default, Aspen HYSYS uses SI and Field units for all tool tips, however the display can be modified as desired in the session preferences as described below:
- Starting from the main menu in Aspen HYSYS, select Tools | Preferences and open the preferences window to the Simulation | Tools Tips pagetab.
- Ensure that 'Show Tool Tips' checkbox is active, then activate the 'User Defined Unit Set' radio button.
- Modify 'Unit Set 1' and 'Unit Set 2', then close the session preferences.
Note that these unit changes will only apply to the tool tip values, but will not affect the PFD fly-by descriptors.
Key words
user, unit, set, tool, tip, display, value, units, numeric
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the cause for the map error:Â Failed to update the system registry. Please try using REGEDIT
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Solution: In DPO (Aspen Petroleum Supply Chain Planner) clicking on the GST map file on the PSCP model tree or while right clicking and editing the map may generate the error as shown below
This error is caused due to permission issue and the problem can be resolved by running DPO as an Administrator
Keywords: Failed to update system registry
Map error
GeosetManager
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I see the Prandtl number for stream inlet or outlet of heat exchanger?
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Solution: You need to create a user variable for Prandtl number. For your convenience, we have created the user variable for it and you can simply import it into your simulation. For importing this user variable please find the attached prandtl.hvv file.
Import it as detailed below:
1. Copy Prandtl.hvv on the desktop [file attached with the mail] or any other location.
2. Open Hysys, Go to simulation environment.
3. Go to the menu option Simulation |Import and Export User Variables.
4. Press the Select File button and navigate to the .huv file on your computer (You may need to change the file filter, if it is currently set to .hvv)
5. Select it and press OK (or Save, if the dialogue box looks like a standard Windows one rather than a Hyprotech one).
6. The user variables in the selected file should now appear in the right-hand list box, select the user variables required, the Import button should become activated.
7. Press the Import button - the selected user variables should now appear in the listboxes on the left-hand side. These show their names and the type of object they apply t.
8. Press OK .
9. You can see the Prandtl number on the Stream properties window + Worksheet + User variable page.
10. If you see the Prandtl cell is empty just change some value [like temp] and come back to original value. The code runs whenever solver runs.
Note: i. Every stream Prandtl number will be calculated automatically.
ii. The calculation you can do for single phase only.
Keywords: Prandtl number, user variable
References: None
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Problem Statement: The column was able to converge in the column environment, but an inconsistency error occurs due to a variable that is a result of column convergence when I turn on the solver in the parent environment.
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Solution: This could occur when you have previously converged your column, and then entered the column environment to modify the column unit operations.
Ensure that no variable in the product streams of the column has been specified directly. Add such variables as column specifications on the Monitor / Specs page on the Design Tab of the column.
If this is not the problem, then you may have to delete the product streams in the Parent Environment or break their connection to the column. Create a number of new unspecified streams in the parent environment of equal number to your product streams of the column. Then go to the Connections page on the Design tab, and under Outlet Streams, connect the internal streams in the column environment to the external streams you have just created in the parent environment, with a pressure - enthalpy (P-H) transfer basis. Sometimes, you may need to go into the column to re-run and converge the column before connecting the internal and external streams.
Keywords: Modified column, inconsistency error
References: None
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Problem Statement: In a new model, we want to merge the content of subflowsheets from several existing models, while preserving the layout and selected fluid packages originally in the subflowsheet.
What is the recommended procedure for the tasks?
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Solution: The first task we discuss here is to move the content of an existing subflowsheet to a new case. Currently, HYSYS does not have an operation to allow a user to export the content of a subflowsheet into a standalone model. If you no longer have the access to the original template file used to create the subflowsheet, you will need to follow the following recommended steps:
1) Export the fluid package used as the default for the existing subflowsheet,
2) Import the fluid package into a new case as default,
3) Show hidden objects in the subflowsheet (PFD | Show Hidden Objects),
4) Select the content of the existing subflowsheet for copying (Left mouse button pressed to select, right click to Cut/Paste Object | Copy Selected Objects),
5) Paste Objects onto PFD in the new case,
6) Save the new case or convert it to template.
In the first two steps, we establish the default fluid package in the new case identical to that of the existing one. When we paste objects into the new case, the default fluid package will be copied with the flowsheet, seetSolution 125754 for explanation. In step 4), a user can Copy Objects to File (Export), and in step 5), Paste Object From File (Import).
The second task is a continuation of the first. Now we want to merge several subflowsheet into one model. If we want to create Case (Main) from several flowsheet fragments (not embed in Subflowsheet) , we need to determine the default fluid package up front, and start the new case with this default fluid package. After that, repeat step 4) and 5) to bring the flowsheet fragments into the new PFD, connect with streams if needed, and converged the flowsheet in the new case.
In some cases, we want to embed several flowsheet fragments into Subflowsheet as parts of Case (Main). We need to save the flowsheet fragments in individual template file in step 6). Afterwards, create a Subflowsheet in the new case for each of the templates, Read an Existing Template, connect with streams, verify the assignment of fluid package, and converge the flowsheet in the new case.
The above is tested and recommended procedure to avoid confusions when multiple fluid package are involved, and to maintain the current flowsheet layout of streams and unit operation icons.
Keywords: Export subflowsheet, recreate template
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I create an 'Ignore This Unit Operation During Calculations' checkbox?
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Solution: Use the following procedure:
add a standard check box to the extension view,
double-click on the check box or right click and select Check Box Properties,
double-click the Target Moniker box or click the Ellipsis button directly beside it,
select Object is Ignored in Calculations,
change the text in the Label text box to &Ignore Unit Operation
Keywords: edf, ignore, ignored
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is it possible to export the PFD to be pasted in another application such as Word?
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Solution: Functionality allowing the export of the PFD was incorporated in Hysys with the v. 2.2 release. To export the PFD, object inspect the PFD background and select Copy Pane to Clipboard. This will copy the PFD to the Windows clipboard. It is then available to be pasted into applications such as MS Word or Paint.
In versions prior to 2.2, there is no direct export function, but there are methods which can be used to capture your desktop.
1. Using Paint Shop Pro, you can capture the PFD and save it in a bitmap format. You can then insert it as an object in Word (Insert / Object / Create from File...).
2. In HYSYS, you can type <Alt><Print Screen>, go into Word and type <Ctrl><V>. This will bring the entire screen, however (with toolbars, menus, etc.).
3. In HYSYS, you can type <Alt><Print Screen>, go into an image editor such as Microsoft Paint (MS Paint) and type <Ctrl><V>. You can then edit the image to get rid of the toolbars, menus. etc. After editing the image, you can load it into Word (as per number 1).
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED) is located on a remote server and you cannot access a database on that server from a client PC using the Aspen Properties Database Manager.
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Solution: This problem is caused when the remote server is not configured properly for remote access and/or the Windows Firewall is blocking access.
Follow these steps to configure a SQL Express 2005 server to be used by remote users. All these steps must be performed on the server machine and may be performed through a remote connection.
1. Launch the SQL Server Configuration Manager from Start | Programs | Microsoft SQL Server 2005 | Configuration Tools | SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Under SQL Server Configuration Manager (Local) | SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration | Protocols for <instance name such as SQLEXPRESS>, enable the TCP/IP and Named Pipes protocols by right-clicking and selecting Enable on each one.
3. Under SQL Server Configuration Manager (Local) | SQL Native Client Configuration | Client Protocols, enable all protocols other than VIA (VIA may also be enabled if desired).
4. Launch SQL Server Surface Area Configuration from Start | Programs | Microsoft SQL Server 2005 | Configuration Tools | SQL Server Surface Area Configuration.
5. Click the link for Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections.
6. Under <instance name> | Database Engine | Remote Connections, select Local and remote connections, then select Using both TCP/IP and named pipes.
7. Under <instance name> | Database Engine | Service, click Stop (if enabled), then click Start to restart the database engine service.
8. Under SQL Server Browser | Service, ensure the Startup type is Automatic. Click Apply and OK after changing this setting. Then click Stop (if enabled), then click Start to restart the server browser service.
9. Open the control panel from Start | Settings | Control Panel and double-click Windows Firewall.
10. In the Windows Firewall control panel, click Add Program.
11. Click Browse, and add sqlservr.exe and sqlbrowser.exe to the list of allowed programs. The locations depend on where SQL Server was installed, but typical locations are:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Binn\sqlservr.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlbrowser.exe
12. On SQL Server Express, the user interface for configuring the server is not installed by default. If you do not have it, download it from Microsoft and install it: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=C243A5AE-4BD1-4E3D-94B8-5A0F62BF7796&displaylang=en
13. Run Start | Programs | Microsoft SQL Server 2005 | SQL Server Management. The Connect to Server window appears.
14. Select the server name and Windows Authentication. Click Connect. The Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express window appears.
15. In the tree on the left, right-click the name of the server and select Properties. The Server Properties dialog box appears.
16. At the left, click Connections.
17. Verify that Remote Connections is checked. If you change this here, you must restart the server again for it to take effect. You can do so by right-clicking the server name in the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express window and selecting Restart.
Keywords: Aspen Properties Enterprise Database, APED, remote server, SQL Express, SQL Express configuration
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where can I find FAQs on SLM Installation?
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Solution: The SLM is a security system which is used across several products. SLM questions will be found by selecting SLM as a product, rather than under each specific software application product name.
Keywords: SLM
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I show my sub-flowsheet streams in the workbook in the main environment?
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Solution: Click on the Include Sub-Flowsheets button at the bottom right of the Workbook window.
Keywords: workbook, sub-flowsheet streams
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I get the pressure drop calculated across valve in steady state as it is done in Aspen HYSYS Dynamics?
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Solution: In steady state a pressure drop needs to be specified across the valve. If one want's to get pressure drop calculated automatically as in dynamics, the user variable 'real_valvde.huv' needs to be attached to the valve.
This user variable makes the valve calculate a pressure drop just like it would do in dynamics. It will use the valve Cv and valve opening specified on the rating page.
Note: If the pressure drop is not getting calculated across the valve then
A. You have to ignore unignore or change the valve Cv. Make some changes to run the solver
B. It may be possible that the valve is choking at low Cv, enter very high Cv (1e3 or 1e5) to test it is solving or not.
Keywords: Valve, Steady State, Pressure drop, User variable, Ole, automation
References: None
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Problem Statement: After run, when opening 'Results Window', the transport map does not show correctly.
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Solution: The reason is that the path to the geo sets need to be fixed. Those files are all in the relative path. The followinsg are the procedures to fix it,
1. Right click 'Maps' on the model tree, select 'Set Folder for MapX Files...', select the Maps folder which gets installed in the sample model directory, or if the user saved their geo sets in a different directory, select that one.
2. Right click the .gst file on the model tree, select Fix Internal GST Paths.
3. Open 'Results Window'
Keywords: Results Window
transport
geo
path
map
References: None
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Problem Statement: Stream Cutter does not solve. What do I do?
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Solution: 1. Make sure you have a transfer basis. Double click on the cutter || Transition tab || choose a Transfer basis (usually T-P flash). If no radio button is chosen then bottom of this window will show Transitions Not Ready. The following picture shows the interface.
2. If the Transfer basis is ready but the cutter is not solved: You probably don't have the cutter active. Please check the box to make it Active.
3. If you have number 1 and 2 checked and still the cutter is not solved, you may not have even one common component between the inlet and outlet of the cutter with greater than zero flow. If you have common components between the two streams, then check the flowrates/compositions. At least one common component must be present with a nonzero flowrate.
Keywords: Stream Cutter, does not solve, Transitions not ready
References: None
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Problem Statement: Can Aspen HYSYS predict the composition of combustion gases?
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Solution: By using the Gibbs reactor, Aspen HYSYS can predict the composition of exhaust gases resulting from the combustion of fuel gas. For this, it is required to define the composition of the fuel gas, as well as the expected combustion products, like CO, CO2, NOX, etc.
The Gibbs reactor calculates the outlet composition such that the phase and chemical equilibrium of the outlet streams are attained. At equilibrium, Gibbs free energy of the reacting system is at a minimum and is used to calculate the product mixture composition.
The Gibbs reactor in Aspen HYSYS is based on the chemical equilibrium theory that can be found in: Smith, J.M., H.C. Van Ness and M.M. Abbot, Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, 5th edition, McGraw-Hill, 1996. Chapter 12. Chemical Reactions.
For example, 1000 kg/h of fuel gas having the following composition:
CH4 = 80 mole%
C2H6 = 15 mole%
C3H8 = 5 mole%
With a 15% of excess air for combustion and keeping the reaction at 900oC, Aspen HYSYS predicts the following composition:
Component
Composition (mole %)
CH4
0.0
C2H6
0.0
C3H8
0.0
O2
2.52
N2
72.71
CO
0.0000003
CO2
8.85
NO
0.00583
NO2
0.000054
H2O
15.92
Enclosed to thisSolution there are two simulation examples, built in Aspen HYSYS 3.2 (S118546_32.hsc) and Aspen HYSYS 2004.2 (S118546_20042.hsc).
Keywords: Combustion, Gibbs reactor, Reaction
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to access the Aspen Properties functions in MS Excel 2007?
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Solution: In order to get the Aspen Properties function in MS Excel 2007, you need to add the Aspen Properties Excel 'Add-in' following the steps given below.
1. Click on MS Office button (colored button upper left hand corner of the Excel file, next to save button) II Excel options II Add-ins II Manage 'Excel add-ins' II Click on 'GO'
2. Browse for Aspen Properties.xla file (path example - C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Properties V7.1\ Engine\ xeq\ AspenProperties.xla) and click OK.
This should add the Aspen Properties Excel Calculator in the Excel file and the Aspen Properties functions will be available. User can test this by clicking on any cell in the Excel worksheet II Click on 'Insert function' fx icon from Formulas tab II Insert Function, here user can see 'Aspen Properties' in 'select a category' drag down option.
Keywords: Aspen Properties Excel Calculator, Excel 2007
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why can't I close my case using Ctrl+Z? This used to work in previous versions of Aspen HYSYS.
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Solution: New in Aspen HYSYS 2006.5, Ctrl+J was added as a shortcut key to close simulation cases. The old shortcut key used for this purpose (Ctrl+Z) is currently used for for the ?Undo? feature, in accordance with Microsoft standards.
Keywords: shortcut, short, cut, hotkey, hot, key, close, case
References: None
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Problem Statement: What's new in version 2006 for Expander Simulation?
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Solution: In versions of HYSYS prior to HYSYS 2006, Performance curves for expanders could only be specified in terms of Volume Flow vs Head
Entering data in this form required the user to convert from the data format typically provided by expander vendors as Mass Flow vs Shaft Power. The need to perform this conversion is obviously inconvenient and prone to introducing errors, so in Aspen HYSYS 2006, an option to enter the expander curve data in Mass Flow vs Shaft Power has been added.
When creating a new expander operation, prior to entering the curves for the expander, the Basis for Flow (Volume or Mass) and Performance (Head or Power) can be selected. You can make these selections on the Rating tab page of the Expander Property View. Once a curve is created, the Performance and Flow basis can no longer be changed as conversion between bases is not supported.
Attached file contains a recorded demo. It shows exactly what mentioned above. Please note that this file is over 13MB in size. If you are interested in download and play it, you are advised to check with your system administrator first to see if such a large file is allowed for your system.
Keywords: what's new, v2006, expander
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is it possible to specify text as the output from an If-Then-Else expression in the HYSYS spreadsheet?
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Solution: New in Aspen HYSYS 2006.5, text values can be used in If-Then-Else expressions in the spreadsheet. For example, the expression @if(A1>100,flow is greater than 100 kg/hr,normal flow) will return the text normal flow if the value of cell A1 is 80.
Keywords: spreadsheet, logical, function, statement, expression, text, return, value
References: None
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Problem Statement: Compressor random flow under surge conditions causes model to fail in Aspen HYSYS Dynamics.
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Solution: An option to disable random flow was added on the compressor Rating | Flow Limits pagetab in Aspen HYSYS 2006. Activating the Do not limit flow to surge/stonewall (only warn) check box allows the user to disable random flow. See the attached sample case and also the screen shot below:
Keywords: random, compressor, surge, flow, limit, warn, disable, stonewall
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the multiple order screen used for in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: The Multiple Orders screen within Optimizer (RSO) will display all of the shipments for customers who have more than one shipment scheduled for a given shift. The screen display shows the customer number, ETA, order numbers, and terminal number for each customer. This provides a better way for the user to view the scheduled shipments for the high volume accounts.
Keywords: many, several, deliveries, display, loads
References: None
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Problem Statement: Can Aspen Fleet Optimizer use real time data?
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Solution: Aspen Fleet optimizer relies on the ability to receive, use, and manage accurate data. This data can be sales and inventory information collected from customers or up-to-date loading and delivery information, for example. Accurate and timely data can contribute to improved dispatch efficiency, accurate demand planning, effective use of resources, and enhanced productivity. In order to ensure that customer, operations, and management data is accurate, fuels management organizations rely on an ongoing process of quality checking or reconciliation. These checks and balances are used to guarantee data quality and ultimately the quality and accuracy of optimization and schedules. Sales and inventory data, for example, must be collected and reconciled to accurately forecast and optimize fuel shipments.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What information is need to run a global optimization in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: Before running Global optimization you must ensure that trip time and distance information is up-to-date in the Aspen Fleet Optimizer database (TPS_MATRIX table). This includes data about the terminal-to-station, station-to-station, and station-to-terminal portions of a delivery trip.
The Global Region Matrix Generation function allows you to automatically calculate trip times and distances between stations, terminals, or terminals and stations. Microsoft MapPoint is the default mapping application for Aspen Fleet Optimizer. However, other mapping software can be used to generate the matrices. The physical addresses for each station and terminal within a specified group are used to calculate accurate trip times and distances.
Keywords: optimize, global, groups
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why is the critical point calculated by the envelope utility different from that calculated by the critical properties utility?
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Solution: The phase envelope is constructed by a marching algorithm that constructs one branch of the envelope (e.g., dew line) starting from a low pressure point, e.g., 1 atm.
As it generates more points (at higher T and P), it checks to see how close it is to the critical point (a quantity related to summation of ln(Ki), where Ki is the K-value of component i). When it thinks it gets close enough to this point, it switches over to the other branch (i.e., bubble line).
The actual critical point lies between the switch-over points. The algorithm does not try to find the actual critical point because it is a singular point as far as the algorithm is concerned.
On the other hand, the critical properties utility solves the condition of criticality (second derivative of Gibbs free energy equal to zero). As this is computationally expensive, it is not used in the normal flash calculation or in the phase envelope utility.
Keywords: Critical Properties utility; Phase Envelope utility
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the difference between DEACTIVATE and DISABLE?
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Solution: The difference is warning message 3130.
If Disable is used in a Master table, it is assumed that the user would rather perform a deactivation of the item throughout the model. With that assumption the program sets the Deactivate field instead and issue warning 3130W. Help for the warning message 3130 gives details.
This behavior applies to these Master tables: Nodes, Materials, Periods, Qualities, Modes, Region, and MaterialGroup. User can safely ignore Disable field in these tables. Use * if the particular record should be taken out in these Master tables. Disable was originally designed to do a cascading deactivation for these Master tables. Later on, for some reason, the Deactivate field was introduced, leaving Disable only applicable to a particular record. This behavior is designed for backward compatibility.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I change the C1 valve parameter in the Dynamic Depressuring utility?
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Solution: The default value of 25 for the C1 parameter in the Fisher valve can be changed via the vapour valve property view inside the Dynamic Depressuring utility subflowsheet.
Enter the Dynamic Depressuring sub-flowsheet environment and open the property view for the vapour valve (i.e. double-click on the VaporValve operation found on the sub-flowsheet PFD). Navigate to the Rating | Sizing (dynamics) pagetab and change the C1 parameter found inside the Sizing Methods group box.
Keywords: C1, Fisher, valve, Cv
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to use MIP type Threshold in Aspen Petroleum Supply Chain Planner.
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Solution: MIP type Threshold
If a variable is modeled as MIP type threshold the Min field is treated as a lower threshold activity limit. This activity must either be zero (0.0) or less than the Max value.
Objective of this modeling
Add the necessary MIP variables to ensure that DEP1 demand for Gas is 0 or 60 to 120
Procedure
As shown below in Table Demand we classified material GAS at DEP1 as MipType threshold, in addition to that we have also created a new case named as Dep1 Threshold. This new case was created to analyze the results independently and compare with the base case
* TABLE
Demand
*
!
Material
Node
Min
Max
Price
MipType
Case
DIE
DEP8
0
50
105
GAS
DEP9
50
100
101
DIE
DEP9
0
50
106
GAS
DEP10
50
100
101
DIE
DEP10
0
50
106
FO
DEPA
0
97
*
GAS
DEP1
60
120
101
Threshold
Dep1_Threshold
Â
Results
The result is presented comparing base case with new case created; user must be familiar with concepts of marginal value to interpret these results
Base case
Current Base Case
OBJFN = 3154.59
Note DJ of GAS sales to DEP1 = -1.35.
This DJ means on the margin, the OBJFN would increase if the Min limit of 100 were reduced.
Case Dep1_Threshold
OBJFN = 3260.61
Note that implementing MIP threshold limits reduced the minimum of GAS to DEP1 to zero or between 60-120. Clearly the negative marginal value in the base case indicated an incentive to lower the minimum demand for GAS to DEP1. Increasing the price to 101 was enough so that adding this MIP option allowed the GAS sales at DEP1 to drop to 82.5. If the price is kept at 100, GAS sales drop to zero.
Keywords: MIP
Threshold
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does the Units Column in the PCSP Materials Table Do?
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Solution: The Units column is used for reporting purposes only. The Units column will be written to the DPO_MATERIALS table, the Standard HTML Report, and the Report on Map reports. The only time PSCP does units conversion is in spec blending when the quality is in a different volume/weight basis than the model. The details are documented in the spec blending formulation.
Note that the “VTW Conversion Factor” on the model settings dialog is not used by optimization either. It only gets written to the DPO_SETTINGS table.
DPO_MATERIALS:
Standard report
Report on Map
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: There are times when you may need an explanation of the differences in percentage accuracy between the classes 1 - 5.
This
|
Solution: Document covers where to obtain this information.
Solution
You can obtain an explanation of the differences in percentage accuracy between the classes 1 and 5 via the following 3 resources:
1. AACE
o This documentation is published by the AACE. The paper is called: Recommended Practice No. 18R-97 dated August 12, 1997.
This can be accessed from <http://www.aacei.org/library/welcome.shtml>, and click on the link called AACE International Recommended Practice No. 18R-97 Cost Estimate Classification System ? As Applied in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction for the Process Industries <../aaceonly/Technical/18R-97.pdf>.
Just be aware that you, the user, MUST be an AACE member to access the document.
2. The classes are also located on another article on the Internet: <http://crystalball.com/articles/lorance.html>.
3. Adobe Acrobat Power point presentation. See page 6. <http://www.nwccc.org/presents/sturm.pdf>
Keywords: AACE
Classes
References: None
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Problem Statement: The labels and information in the PCWS is in English. The user speaks Italian.
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Solution: All DMCplus column set entires have been translated to Italian and are available for loading to the PCWS
See the attached zip files for step by step instructions and the Italian versions of the dmcplusentrydata.xml files.
Keywords: Italian Web Viewer
DMCplus
Production Control Web Server
PCWS
DMC
Web Viewer
Web Server
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I create a copy of a built-in 8.x database and make it accessible from my local network?
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Solution: Cloning is only available for a source database on a local SQL Server. A database created by SQL Server 2012 (v11) cannot be cloned. To copy data from a LocalDB, or from SQL Server 2012, or between servers on different computers, you should use another mechanism such as ‘backup and restore’. Please note that backups are not compatible with earlier versions of SQL Server.
LocalDB is a new version of SQL Server Express dedicated to developers to avoid the need of a full installation of the server engine when the databases are only meant to be accessible from the local machine. All Aspen Properties LocalDB databases are SQL Server 2012 databases and they cannot be restored in an earlier version of SQL Server.
In our Aspen Engineering Suite v7.3, before LocalDB was introduced, the default server option was SQL Server 2005. This is why most of our users still have this version installed in their server machines. After upgrading to a later release, if you try to use ‘backup and restore’ to copy an 8.x database on an instance of SQL Server 2005, you will get a compatibility error.
In order to create an editable copy of our default databases that can be accessible on your local network, please follow this tutorial:
You need to install SQL Server 2012 standard or professional edition in the server machine. During installation select to create a named instance:
Go to Aspen Properties Database Manager, and select backup database as shown in the picture below:
Select LocalDB and windows authentication. Choose the database you want to backup/copy:
Launch SQL Server Management Studio as administrator:
Connect to the SQL Server 2012 instance we just created:
Right click on databases and select ‘Restore Database’
Select Device and click on the dots button. Click add and select the backup file (you need to activate ‘All files’ in the extension filter). Finally in the destination box give to the database a different name such as AVP88Copy:
Go to Files form and change the name of the APV88 and APV88_Log files making sure you don’t modify the extension (for example APV88COPY.MDF):
The database will be created correctly in the server:
Open Aspen Properties Database Manager in all computer clients of your local network. Go to ‘Actions’ and select ‘Register Database’. Uncheck ‘Use LocalDB’, and select the database APV88COPY in the 2012 SQL Server instance:
Now the database is finally registered and available for all users, and because it is a copy, it can be fully customized to modify components or parameters according to your needs.
Keywords: APED, SQL Server, Cloning, Restoring.
References: None
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Problem Statement: When using the APED, the user could experience some trouble trying to define a custom binary/pair parameter that involves ions, as well as Henry constants.
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Solution: When using the APED Manager, a user-defined (custom) database has to be created. There is a limitation that the user needs to be aware of in that any binary/pair parameters that involves ions cannot be included in the custom in-house database. Also, it cannot support Henry constants in general.
Keywords: Databanks, Pair/Binary Ionic Parameters, Henry Constants.
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I report the bubble point temperature (TBUB), bubble point pressure (PBUB), dew point temperature (TDEW), and dew point pressure (PDEW) in the Aspen Properties Excel Add-In?
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Solution: Although it is not possible to select the properties TBUB, PBUB, TDEW or PDEW in the Excel Add-In, you can use a flash calculation to report them.
The TVFlash calculation option performs vapor-liquid flash calculations for a given mixture at specified temperature and vapor fraction. We can use it to report the PBUB and PDEW.
The Excel syntax is the following:
TVFlash(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Temperature, VaporFraction, Returns, PropertyMethod)
To report PBUB, specify a vapor fraction of 0 and the return value as P (pressure).
To report PDEW, specify a vapor fraction of 1 instead.
The PVFlash calculation option performs vapor-liquid flash calculations for a given mixture at specified pressure and vapor fraction. We can use it to report the TBUB and TDEW.
The Excel syntax is the following:
PVFlash(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Pressure, VaporFraction, Returns, PropertyMethod)
To report the TBUB, specify a vapor fraction of 0 and the return value as T (temperature).
To report the TDEW, specify a vapor fraction of 1 instead.
The attached Excel file includes as an example of these calculations.
Keywords: PBUB, TBUB, PDEW, TDEW, Bubble Point, Dew point, TVFlash, PVFlash, Excel Add-In
References: None
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Problem Statement: In some customer models, some of the nodes are transport only - such as those in a white circle on the Results Window. The white circle means the nodes have no inventories, supplies, or demands, but may have transports.
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Solution: In the case described above, select YES for All Transport Nodes Have BAL Rows in order to build a correct material balance row. In such a case the appropriate material balance rows are automatically created. De-select (clear) this option if a material balance row is already present. The default for this option is off.
Keywords: white circle
transport
node
material balance
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to use MIP type LotSize in Aspen Petroleum Supply Chain Planner.
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Solution: The attached model describes three types in MIP type LotSize
MIP Lot Size
The activity of the column will be a multiple of the value specified in the MipFactor field. Min and Max provide the basis for lower integer and upper integer variables, respectively. The actual Min will be raised to the next higher multiple of the MipFactor, and the actual Max will be lowered to the next lowest multiple of the MipFactor.
In the attached model case: Crude_LotSize is created to demonstrate this.
Objective of this modeling
Need to buy material WESTCRD and EASTCRD in batches 45 and 65 respectively.
Procedure
As shown in below, in T.Supply two columns are added MipType and MipFactor, MipType is designated as LotSize and the fact is assigned as 45 and 65
* TABLE
Supply
*
*
!
Material
Node
Min
Max
Cost
MipType
MipFactor
MipOrder
Case
WESTCRD
WREF
0
1000
95
EASTCRD
EREF
0
1000
95
*
WESTCRD
WREF
0
1000
95
LotSize
45
Crude_LotSize
EASTCRD
EREF
0
1000
95
LotSize
65
Crude_LotSize
Results
As evident in the results, the material was purchased in multiples of Lot size:
East LotSize = 65, West LotSize = 45, East Crude = 325 (5 lots), West Crude = 360 (8 lots)
Keywords: MIP
Lot Size
References: None
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Problem Statement: How many products can I set up in a terminal in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: In the Terminal Products section of the Terminal Setup dialog box you can define up to 200 products available at a given terminal. Products must be assigned to every terminal to define product source options for the RSO. Include all products that the terminal carries regardless of whether they are currently available. Lifting Restrictions allow you to specify periods of time when transports are restricted from loading selected products at the terminal. Use lifting restrictions; for example, to prohibit transports from loading product X, between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is size group used for in the truck set up of Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: The Size Group is a way to rank transports based on overall size. Aspen Fleet Optimizer uses this restricting value to ensure that the right shipments are placed on the transports in the Size Group corresponding to the desired load size. Transports of drastically different sizes should be assigned to different Size Groups. Transports of a common general size should be assigned to the same Size Group. Aspen Fleet Optimizer enables the user to define up to nine different Size Group classifications.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: When should I use override in data quality manager in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: The Override Button allows the user to override the exception and accept the sales and inventory figures as they are. Before overriding an exception, Aspen Fleet Optimizer displays a dialog box with a message reminding the user to confirm all delivered shipments and update the delivery shift of any shipments coming later than expected. The user should cancel an override if either task has not been completed.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does the breakupoverflowsplits setting in Aspen Fleet Optimizer do?
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Solution: This setting will enable and disable the automatic separation of split shipments that are placed into the overflow list by Aspen Fleet Optimizer. The default setting for this is 0 so splits placed in over flow will not be torn apart. If the setting is changed to 1 then any split orders in overflow after the optimization will be broken up into single orders. This setting is based on dispatcher preference. AspenTech recommends that you have the system automatically separate split shipments to preserve the original order. It is also often easier to resolve the cause of a problem shipment when the split shipment is separated.
Keywords: settings,.ini, split load, split
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does MinSplitPercentage in Aspen Fleet Optimizer do?
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Solution: Using the MinSplitPercentage setting, you can also specify the minimum percentage that a transport can carry in the event of a split shipment. This value is specified in the [Winopt] section of the Customize.ini and indicates the minimum percentage to which a transport must be loaded in order to deliver to a customer. The default value is 50%. If the system cannot find a split partner that will meet this percentage then the system will send a “short load”.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I set a minimum percentage for a split load in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: Using the MinSplitPercentage setting, you can also specify the minimum percentage that a transport can carry in the event of a split shipment. This value is specified in the winopt section of the Customize.ini and indicates the minimum percentage to which a transport must be loaded in order to deliver to a customer. The default value is 50%. For example, MinSplitPercentage = 50 Total transport size = 10,000 units. If the MinSplitPercentage is set at 50%, Fleet Optimizer only creates split shipments that fill a transport at least 50% (5,000 units).
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How are clouds used in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: Once the customers are assigned clusters, the user can assign these clusters to clouds. A cloud is a group of clusters that Aspen Fleet Optimizer can choose from to create a split shipment. Aspen Fleet Optimizer will first try to create a split shipment from one particular cluster. If that proves unsuccessful, Aspen Fleet Optimizer will search the next cluster in the cloud. Aspen Fleet Optimizer tries to pair two customers from the same cluster if one of the customers warrants a split shipment. Aspen Fleet Optimizer will only create a split shipment if both customers' delivery windows can be met. However, there are times when a split shipment cannot be created between any two customers in a cluster. To facilitate split pairing, the user can designate several clusters that can be grouped together in a cloud. If Aspen Fleet Optimizer cannot find a pair of customers from any cluster within a cloud, no split shipment will be created.
Keywords: split load, side products, short load
References: None
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Problem Statement: What are pre and post trip used for in truck set up of Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: The Post-Trip Time variable defines a period of time in hours at the end of a driving shift that a transport is being billed, but not driven. The Post-Trip time is used to identify inspection periods or preparation time at the end of the driving shift. The Pre-Trip Time variable defines a period of time in hours at the beginning of a driving shift that a transport is being billed, but not driven. The Pre-Trip time is used to identify inspection periods or preparation time prior to the beginning of the driving shift.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I release a customer from credit hold in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: Select the Credit Hold option in the Customer Credit area of the Customer Credit Utility dialog box. Then unselect the Credit Hold option in the Customer Credit area of the Customer Credit Utility dialog box. Any previously released orders will be held again unless the order is dispatched or the delivery is already in progress.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: I have seen that Aspen Icarus Process Evaluator (IPE) sometimes reports that specific streams are connected to a piece of equipment, even though some of those streams might have been deleted, or other streams might have been connected via manipulation of the PFD.
I am concerned that the sizing program still accesses the details of the initial streams, and not the current connected streams.
Why does IPE show a deleted stream associated with an equipment item, when I have specified a new or updated stream?
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Solution: You are correct in your observation that the item report is reporting what came from the Simulator.
This is because this section of the report, reports the Block information..... where Block => simulator information. This is as designed....so it is functioning as it should with the ITEM HTML report. (You can run a different item evaluation report called the Capital Cost Item report from the Tools - Options - Preferences menu).
However, the sizing routines, will use the updated stream information in its calculations.
Keywords: sizing
stream
PFD
References: None
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Problem Statement: I know that Aspen Icarus utility specifications are designed to handle Cost/mass or Cost/Volume.
I noticed that my specified utility costs are specified as Energy Price instead of Purchase price .
How do I get Aspen Icarus Process Evaluator to recognize the way Aspen Plus reports the cost in $/cal?
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Solution: In IPE, we only have units such as COST/LB, COST/MMGAL, etc. We don't have COST/CAL (and in particular this is not what the IPE utility specifications can deal with).
So, there is no way to use this cost $/MMBtu in IPE.
BUT, there is a workaround.......you can map the 1 $/CAL = 1 OTHER.
This will prevent the error message. However, on the Utility specification screen you will notice that the Unit Cost is 0 (shown below). It is recommended that you change this number manually.
Keywords: utility
energy price
purchase price
References: None
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Problem Statement: Configuration of the AFW Security to allow particular access to particular controllers viewable on the WebServer.
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Solution: The process is to create additional Secure Groups, create roles for the secure groups, set the permissions on the roles and then add the member accounts to the roles. The last step is to go to the Production Control WebServer and associate the appropriate controllers with the appropriate secure groups.
The Steps to accomplish this task would be:
Open up the AFW Security Manager, Start / Programs / AspenTech / AFW Security Manager.
Double click AFW Security Manager, then double click Applications to expose the ACO View Server.
Highlight the ACO View Server, right click, new, secure group. Give the new secure group a name and description and click OK. The new secure group should appear in the list of Secure Groups with the Default secure group.
Now highlight Roles, right click, new, role. It would be recommended to create roles such as securegroupname operator, securegroupname engineer, securegroupname guest.
When the roles are created, move to the right side of the display, highlight the new secure group, go to properties and look at each role and set the appropriate access / privledges. Keep in mind that these are not inherent and each desired access should be selected, including the READ_Only. Without READ_Only, information is not viewable on the webpage.
After the Access is set for each role with regard to the secure group, you can move to roles.
Expand the Roles list, and high light each role one at a time, select properties and then select the members tab, then add, then show users and select the user accounts that you would like to be members of the selected role and have the access assigned to that role.
At this point all of the work in the AFW Security Manager should be complete. You may want to stop and restart the IIS service. You can go to the Services panel, and highlight the IIS Admin Service and right click select RESTART. The restart option remembers any dependent services it will have to stop and restarts them as well, when the IIS service is restarted.
Now you should move to the Production Control WebServer, open a webserver session with the Web_Admin account. You will know if you are logged in as Web_Admin, because you will see the Configuration tab on the WebServer. Select the Configuration tab, go to Security Settings and you should see a list of controllers on one side and a drop down list of secure groups on the other. Highlight a controller and then select from the drop down list the secure group you want it associated with. As a default, all the controllers will be associated with the Default Secure group. When you associate the controllers with the secure groups then the roles and their set access will be applied.
You can go into the AFW Security Manager at any time and change the permissions / access or add and remove members from roles.
Keywords: AFW Security, roles, secure groups, pcws, access
References: None
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Problem Statement: The behavior is that the Production Control Web Server seems to have stopped working. It used to work in the past. When the user tries to bring up the Production Control Home Page with his web browser he does not get an error - it just continuously tries to bring up the web page.
The progress bar will indicate activity, but will not complete. Sometimes if the user waits long enough he may get a misleading message about access denied after a lengthy timeout
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Solution: If an AspenWatch system, that the PCWS is configured to display is running, but has for some reason become unresponsive, we will experience this behavior.
To test this, we you can edit the file AspenTech.ProductionControl.Website.config file which is in the c:\Program Files\Aspentech\ACOview directory, Change the 35th line from
<showhistory>1</showhistory>
to
<showhistory>0</showhistory>
(i.e. change the 1 to a 0), thus instructing it not to show any AspenWatch installations.
You must then restart IIS in the Control Panel || Administrative Tools || Services applet so the change will be known to IIS. After IIS is restarted, launched the Production Control Home Page. If it now behaves correctly, then it is almost certain that an unresponsive AspenWatch was the problem.
Editing the file and making the change, manually changes a setting under the Configuration tab of the PCWS in Site Wide Settings. There you can choose the Application(s) to display. You will see that the box for History (Aspen Watch) is now unchecked. Once the problem with AspenWatch has been diagnosed and corrected, you can set the 0 back to the 1 by checking this box, without editing the file.
Obviously, this still leaves a problem with your AspenWatch installation. You may need to call support for assistance in resolving this problem.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where does the Expected Inventory figure come from on the Data Quality Manager screen?
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Solution: The Expected Inventory is the value that can be arrived at by the figures in the following example:
Opening Inventory 12,101
Other Additions +9000
Yesterday's Sales -10342
Time Adjusted -304
Expected Inventory =10455
This calculation demonstrates how the Expected Inventory is arrived at from the Opening Inventory +/- and adjustments from deliveries, sales and time adjusted sales.
The Expected Inventory is then compared against the Reported Inventory. Any variation between these figures is shown in the Variance % and Volume Difference fields directly below the Reported Inventory fields.
Keywords: Expected Inventory, DQM
References: None
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Problem Statement: Does the warning manager show warnings for out of service tanks?
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Solution: In previous versions the warning manager would always show a runout warning for a product that had an out of service tank no matter what inventory was in the tank. As a result the users needed to check many false warnings one by one every time when they used warning manager. In version 2006.5.5 out of service tanks are not considered when the system generates runout warnings in the warning manager.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How long does a shift optimization take in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: The dispatch plan generated by the Resource Scheduling Optimization takes anywhere from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the complexity of the Optimization. Once the results are generated, however, the user can easily review the dispatch on the screen. The most obvious change after the Optimization is the reduction of shipments listed in the available shipments list. Shipments that were must-go shipments for the period of the Optimization have now moved to the work schedule box and became assigned shipments. Within the work schedule box, each shipment is listed by customer number, trip time, run-out time, shipment status, and cost. The Shipment Status refers to whether a shipment is a must-go shipment (red); a can-go shipment (yellow), a super can-go shipment (green), problem shipment (gray), and a can not fit shipment (white). The shipment window for a specific customer will appear, displaying the shipment's specific information, such as customer information, delivery time, shipment quantities, and so on. The user can make any modifications to the shipment from this window.
Keywords: RSO, optimizer, optimization, loads, must-go, performance, schedule
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the difference between cumulative and non-cumulative cost per volume charts in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: When setting up cost per distance charts, the system calculates transportation costs using either the cumulative or the non-cumulative method. Cumulative cost type that calculates cumulative transportation costs based on a rate per volume/distance range and the number of trip miles traveled to deliver a shipment. The number of trip miles is based on two one-way trip distances (terminal to customer; customer to terminal) rather than a single round-trip distance. Non-Cumulative cost type calculates the transportation cost based on a fixed pre-defined cost for a given one-way distance (terminal to customer).
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: There can be only one design criteria file per project, and if all equipment is mapped at once, they will be mapped based on the same design criteria
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Solution: When equipment is mapped and sized, it pulls data from the Design Criteria file to use for this task.
It is possible to map one piece of equipment, then change the design criteria for the next piece of equipment, and then map it.
The first piece will not be affected (unless it is re-mapped and therefore sized based on the new, altered design criteria file).
Keywords: design, map, criteria
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does minimum split percentage control in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: Using the MinSplitPercentage setting, you can also specify the minimum percentage that a transport can carry in the event of a split shipment. This value is specified in the Winopt section of the Customize.ini file and indicates the minimum percentage to which a transport must be loaded in order to deliver to a customer. The default value is fifty percent.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is it possible to add a Spare Component to a Project?
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Solution: It is common practice in industry to add spare units to a plant. This Customer Support Bulletin shows users how to add spares within the project by adding a Material/Man-hour % Adjustment to the installation bulks of a component.
How to Add a Spare Component to a Project:
Scenario: There is a need to add a backup spare pump in-line with another pump in a project. To account for the spare, do the following steps:
1. Select PROCESS EQUIPMENT| PUMPS| PUMP ' CENTRIFUGAL| API 610 PUMP
2. Enter all the design specifications for this pump.
3. Select on the BULKS AND ADJUSTMENTS button and select MATERIAL/MANHOUR % ADJUSTMENTS.
4. At the bottom of the form, select the SPECIAL OPTIONS, INSTALLATION OPTION.
5. Select SPAR as the installation option.
For the SPAR option, notice that the installation bulks are greatly reduced for this component. It is assumed that less piping, insulation, paint, and instrumentation is needed for spares.
Additional spare options are available through the installation option:
WHSP: Warehouse Spare ' No engineering cost, procurement, or installation.
SUPP: Spare supplied by owner ' No equipment cost
EXIS: Existing Spare ' No equipment cost or civil cost.
For more information on these components, please refer to the Aspen ICARUS 2000 User's Guide Chapter 6, or the IPE User's Guide Chapter 4.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: What type of reports exist in Aspen Fleet Optimizer for credit hold customers?
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Solution: The Customer Hold report displays all of the stations and orders that are currently on credit hold. For each order, this report lists the Customer Number, Site ID, and Customer Name for all customers on credit hold. It also lists the stations’ current orders, including their delivery dates and any comments. Orders will not be delivered as scheduled as long as a customer is on credit hold. The Customer Review report displays all of the stations that are currently on review. The Customer Review report also lists the stations’ current orders, along with their delivery dates and any comments.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What are the configuration steps in PCWS to display an AOD application?
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Solution: Check the connectivity on PCWS \ Configuration tab. Make sure that there is an entry for “APC or AOD”, the associated port 12347 (automatically set) has to be opened (Inbounds and outbounds) and the light marked as Green. The Host is where the AOD is running (where the associate Windows service AspenTech Production Control RTE Service is started), use the Add and Apply buttons to modify the settings.
================================================================================
Check the Security. Where’s the security server installed? Go to Start \ All Programs \ AspenTech \ AFW Tool, check that the URL is the same on the AOD server and the PCWS server (in case they are separated).
Go to Start \ All Programs \ AspenTech \ Aspen Manufacturing Suite \ Configure Online Server.
On the Users and Roles tab check that the user used to login in PCWS is part of a Role with enough privileges (e.g. Admin, Engineer or both).
On the Permissions tab check that the role has Read, Write and Execute roles enable. Verify both radio buttons: Node and Application.
================================================================================
On the AOD interface check that on the Online Servers tab the related server is Connected, as well as on the Online Applications tab the application is Running (previously Deployed and Started).
Keywords: PCWS, AOD, RTE, Deploy
References: None
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Problem Statement: This article describes the time scales used for plotting Manipulated and Controlled Variables' prediction horizons in the Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) plots.
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Solution: Beginning with AMS 6.01 Engineering Release 2, the prediction horizon plots for Manipulated (MV's) and Controlled Variables (CV's) use a common time scale of 1.5 * TTSS (where TTSS is Time To Steady State).
Previous versions of PCWS use separate plotting time scales: MV's use 0.5 * TTSS, and CV's use 1.5 * TTSS.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: What Aspen Fleet Optimizer report tells if all sites have reported information?
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Solution: Customer Status Report prints the status of each customer's sales and inventory information. If a Customer has not reported new sales and inventory information, if a customer's sales and inventory information is erroneous, or if a customer's shipments have been forecasted, the Customer Status Report will inform the user. Terminal and zone specifications are required for this report.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: User would like to see the *.ics reports (execsum.ics, cashflow.ics, projsum.ics and equip.ics) in a modifiable format, such as Excel.
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Solution: All of these files can be opened in Excel. The same files are also named as text files in the PROJECTS.IPE directory, PROJECT folder that your project is named:
execsum.ics = execsum.txt
cashflow.ics = cashflow.txt
projsum.ics = projsum.txt
equip.ics = equip.txt
First, open EXCEL.
Open the text file you wish to convert.
In the Conversion Wizard, use the DELIMITED feature in the TEXT import wizard, click the next button.
Change the delimiters to OTHER and put in a | (pipe) symbol in the field next to other
Click the NEXT button, then click FINISH.
You will have to manually adjust the column widths to see all your data.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why is the Send To Economics button greyed out and unavailable for me to use?
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Solution: The Send To Economics button is used to send the results of a simulation to Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA) after a simulation has been completed and actually launches APEA. If you have Activated Economics turned on (active) in your project, the Send To Economics button will be greyed out (unavailable for use).Â
Go to the Economics Ribbon and uncheck the Economics Active box. The Send To Economics will then light up and be available for you to use.
Keywords: Send To Economics, Send, Economics Active, Economics, Active
References: None
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Problem Statement: What costs does an Aspen Fleet Optimizer best buy model include?
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Solution: This option is used by net buyers of product that purchase from multiple suppliers. Using Best Buy, the system calculates the most economical product source, terminals, and transports by evaluating several factors. These include product price at the supplier; transportation costs for delivering a product; toll costs; and product availability.
It also includes the cost of tolls into system decisions about how and where a delivery should be scheduled. Toll optimization is calculated for a given Group, so Groups must be defined in Fleet Optimizer in order to use this feature.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Can Aspen Fleet Optimizer forecast by tank instead of product?
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Solution: Tank Inventory Management (TIM) manages inventory by tank rather than by product. A unique tank identifier, specified for a customer during Customer Setup, is used by the Tank Inventory Management (TIM) NT Service to specify the tank for which the customer is reporting inventory and/or sales. An advantage that TIM offers is the ability for a customer to manage the inventory for a single product in multiple non-manifold tanks. TIM is available only for inventory-managed (forecasted) customers.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the source lock flag used for in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
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Solution: The Source Lock check box indicates that the customer can only receive deliveries from its primary source. This variable is most often used to avoid the use of secondary Aspen Fleet Optimizer sources for a given customer.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Can Aspen Fleet Optimizer be linked to the web?
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Solution: Fuels Management, Fleet Operations, and Credit Management are the ultimate petroleum supply chain Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. These three applications use the Order Manager - Web server and unite a company with its customers, suppliers, vendors, and shippers to minimize operating costs and maximize profits. Implemented in combination with Fleet Optimizer, they offer CRM convenience, cost savings, and operation efficiency through secure, web-based information access and data exchange. Customers can add, modify, delete, confirm, and view their account orders using the Order Manager - Web interface. As a result, petroleum organizations can leverage real-time, mission-critical information across the supply chain.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does the * mean that sometimes appears next to components when mapping?
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Solution: That the component does not have an existing mapping - the ones without it do have an exisiting mapping.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to estimate (with Aspen Icarus Process Evaluator) an exchanger modeled in Aspen Plus using two separate heater blocks linked by duty
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Solution: When Aspen Icarus Process Evaluator loads the simulation, it brings each block in and assigns a separate utility for each. What you will need to do is the following:
Choose an exchanger to keep (make sure the duty is correct - same as sim duty) / for sake of explanation we'll call this HEX A FIRST MAP both exchangers (Default + sim data), then go to the PFD
1. Delete utility streams for HEX B
2. Delete utilility streams for HEX A
3. Reconnect sinks & sources of process side of HEX B to HEX A
4. Delete mapping for HEX B, which is the same as right-clicking and deleting this component from the PFD
5. Right click HEX A and resize item
6. Evaluate
Keywords: Heater
Blocks
Duty
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the difference between the TPS tables and the TCIF tables in the Aspen Fleet Optimizer database?
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Solution: TPS tables store data that is actively used by Aspen Fleet Optimizer applications. TPS tables are also referred to as core tables because they represent the primary storage for your Aspen Fleet Optimizer data. The Common Interface Tables provide a standard interface that allows external data to be integrated with active TCP table data. A software service examines any new data stored in TCIF tables and updates the necessary TCP tables when those tables are not in use. This mechanism limits the data concurrency problems.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is there a place where Icarus stores the base cost of the materials of construction and can the user access it?
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Solution: There is an internal table used by the Icarus cost engine that contains base material costs in $/lb for various materials of construction. However, this table is embedded in the code and is not available for change by the users.
The reason this table is embedded in the code, is that the costs taken from this table are increased or decreased depending on the specific application of the material.
Studying the detailed Icarus reports reveals for instance that the cost engine is using different costs for SS304 as tray material say versus SS304 heat exchanger tubing.
What is the net effect of calculating the base material cost per the material application?
The net effect is that if one changes the value of SS304 in the reference table to correct, for example, the predicted direct cost of SS304 trays only, one will find that SS304 heat exchangers will not be accurately estimated.
Prior to releasing our once-per-year pricing update, we update both the base table as well as the change nuances captured for each application of the base materials in the code. These updates are then checked against a list of standard projects for which we annually receive quoted costs from participating vendors and corrected where need be.
Keywords: material costs, steel prices, basis
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the best way to estimate a Direct Contact Heat Exchanger?
I am trying to estimate the cost of a double diameter direct contact heat exchanger tower, but there does not seem to be model for this type of tower configuration. When I specify a tower as being a Direct contact heat exchanger tower, IPE typically defines the tower as a type of Absorber tower. This can be seen from the P&ID that is supplied with this type of tower, as well as the fact a Gas flow rate is expected.
the tower that IPE defines as a Direct contact heat exchanger tower, does not offer the option to distinguish between the type of internals that are used in heat exchange section, and the distillation section. It is also not possible to specify a liquid feed flow rate as the model assumes that an Absorber is being specified, and therefore requires a gas flow rate.
I need the capability to specify two types of internals in the distillation section, but I also need to specify different internals for the heat exchange section.
|
Solution: We have 2 suggestions on how to model this Double Diameter Tower with 3 distinct packing/tray sections:
Create a DDT with 2 diameters to represent the two packing/tray sections. Then create a Thermosiphon (Found in: Heat Ex/Reboiler/ ) to represent the HEx section of the DDT. Select TBWNB for the Heat exchanger design option input (this will give the tube bundle design & components without system bulks (no shell)).
OR
Create a DDT with 2 diameters to represent the two packing/tray sections. Then add a Packing item (Process Equipment - Packings, linings - Packings) for the packed HEx section of the DDT.
Keywords: direct contact
heat exchanger
DDT
double diameter tower
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where can I view delivered loads inside Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
|
Solution: Aspen Fleet Optimizer gives you the opportunity, when deleting (canceling) a shipment to save it to the Delivered Shipments Log which can store up to fifty shipments. You can edit the Private Notes field to add comments to an order in the Delivered Shipments Log. The Comments field is inactive and cannot be edited. When deleting a shipment, you are prompted if you would like to place the shipment in the Delivered Shipments Log. If you choose not to do so, the shipment is stored in a canceled shipments table.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: ISS Configuration Issues
|
Solution: Logging - By default, IIS enables access logging for all web sites you define on a PC. This has been known to fill up the disk with these logs. Logging should be disabled on all IIS systems except where it will be monitored and purged regularly. Here's how...
Use Internet Service Manager, right-click on the Default Web Site and choose Properties.
Uncheck Enable Logging. This disables logging for all web sites on the machine.
To disable logging of an individual web site, do the same operation on the directory name in Internet Service Manager (in these cases, the check box is called Log access. However, once you disable logging for the entire system, you don't need to worry about anything else.
NOTE: in the next version of the Production Control Web Server (formerly the DMCplus web server) I will force the installation program to disable logging so you won't have to worry about this. That will be in the AMS 4.1 release.
Proxy settings - if the browser is saying it can't find the http://<machinename>/dmcplus/default.asp web page, chances are that the proxy settings on the Web server PC are set incorrectly. To check them, do the following:
From Control Panel select Internet Options, click the Connections tab, Click the LAN Settings... button.
In the Proxy server section, verify that one of the two cases is true: A) Use a proxy server in un-checked, or B) Use a proxy server is checked, and Bypass proxy server for local addresses is also checked.
Otherwise, you will most likely have problems.
Keywords: WebServer, IIS, Configuration, DMCplus
References: None
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Problem Statement: The Production Control WebServer homepage comes up, however there is only plain display with two tables, one with the DMCplus controller information and one with the aco messages. There is no DMCplus heading or toolbar and the cursor when placed on changeable fields on the detail display Creation
|
Solution: Open up and IE 6.0 session, go to Tools and proceed through Internet Options setting all possible settings to default. Find and delete all cookies files and temporary internet files. Log off of the internet explorer session.
Log on to the internet explorer session.
Keywords: Production, PCWS, WebServer, IE6.0, homepage, DMCplus, detail
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to split a stream in Aspen ICARUS Process Evaluator
|
Solution: Here's one way to split a stream.
Add a small connection block (which will be a miscellaneous quoted item - we will refer to as MQI-1), and reconnect the sink of the stream you are wanting to split to MQI-1. Now copy MQI-1, and paste it into the project (I'll refer to this new item as MQI-2). From the PFD, you will insert MQI-2 onto your stream (using the Edit Connectivity button) upstream of MQI-1. MQI-2 will act as our 'splitter'. You can delete MQI-1. We now have an inlet to the splitter, and an outlet. You can double click on the outlet and modify the stream flowrate. Here you will cut this flowrate in half. You will then create a new stream, an additional outlet stream, with the same flowrate, and making sure that the primary fluid component is the same as the other stream.
Keywords: stream
References: None
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Problem Statement: The PCWS provides for only 2 simultaneous detailed trends of controller or tester tags. This
|
Solution: provides html files which the user can configure to show multiple detiled trends.Solution
Download the attached Readme and acoview zip files. Follow the explanations to customize the html files to your specific PCWS setup.
After customizing you start the overall files by opening the MainPage.html in your
web browser.
NOTES: The default refresh rate may have to be decreased in order to accomodate network traffic. In addition, should a new controllers or testers be added to the PCWS, this may affect the numbering of the trends to be displayed.
A C utility is also provided to quickly generate html code, please check this out.
This program will automatically generate the Multi Trend html files and runs from the command line (DOS window):
Example: acoplot 10.36.16.111 1 3 2 (acoplot servername controllerindex numberofindependents numberofdependents)
Keywords: DMCplus
SmartStep
Production Control Web Server
DMC
PCWS
References: None
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Problem Statement: DAIS is not very smart about choosing the correct Network Interface Card (NIC) when there are more than one. It always chooses the first one when it is looking for one, and sometimes, the order is such that the one DAIS needs to use is not the first one.
There are different ways this can manifest itself, but if everything seems to be correct in the configuration but it still won't work, then this should be checked.
The physical connection on the back of the computer is not always a reliable way to tell which will be encountered first by the Operating System. Doing an ipconfig /all on the involved computers will definitively demonstrate the order of the NICs.
The first one listed in the output from ipconfig is the first one the OS will find when it goes to look for NICs.
If the first one encountered is not the one that is handling the communication, then employ the
|
Solution: to change the order of the NICs.Solution
There is a place where the order of the NICs can be set for an individual computer. Go first to a screen you can get to either by right clicking on my network places and choosing properties or by going to Control Panel and choosing Network Connections (Windows XP and Windows 2003) or Network and Dial-up Connections (Windows 2000).
In this window, the drop down menus across the top should include:
File, Edit, View, Favorites, Tools, Advanced, and Help
Choose the Advanced drop down menu and in that menu, choose Advanced Settings.
The resulting window will have two tabs: Adapters and Bindings and Provider Order.
In the Adapters and Bindings tab, the top window is labeled Connections:. There should be a list of all your network devices, both virtual (if you have any) and physical. Use the arrows to change the binding order of the NICs to put the appropriate NIC at the top.
Keywords: NIC
DAIS
Network Interface Card
References: None
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Problem Statement: When I try to evaluate my compressed gas filter, I get these error messages and I cannot seem to fix the problem.....
ERROR> 'F - 62' NO FILTER MODEL IS AVAILABLE TO SATISFY THE DESIRED FLOW RAT ERROR> 'F - 62' E, INLET PRESSURE, AND PRESSURE DROP CONDITIONS
|
Solution: The problem is with our documentation on page 14-13 of the ICARUS
Keywords: filter
compressed
gas
compressed gas filter
ERROR
no filter model is available
flow rate
flow
rate
References: Manual.
We need to clarify it more, and the documentation is being updated now, so that it will be correct for the next release of the software.
The Gas Flow rate section now reads:
Gas Flow Rate: Maximum gas flow, rate which varies with inlet pressure (see chart), is at standard conditions.
However, it SHOULD read:
Maximum gas flow, rate which varies with inlet pressure AND PRESSURE DROP (see chart), is at standard conditions.
Also, for the Gas flow rate table, the Gas Flow rate column should read:
Gas flow rate MAX (at MAX Pressure Drop)
The compressed gas filter by default uses the MIN pressure drop (see the table on page 14-13), but in actuality, the user will have to increase that Pressure Drop closer to the MAXIMUM listed in the table.
So, to fix this problem so that you can evaluate the compressed gas filter, you should increase the pressure drop to closer to 2 psi, 3 psi or 5 psi (see chart) and then the model will run correctly.
|
Problem Statement: What basic information is needed for Aspen Fleet Optimizer to forecast?
|
Solution: Aspen Fleet Optimizer manages customers' inventories utilizing a shipment forecasting algorithm that requires daily inventory levels and sales rates to predict a customer's future runout and to create a shipment to replenish stock.
Successful inventory management within Aspen Fleet Optimizer requires the user to follow a series of steps referred to as The Inventory Control Process. The Inventory Control Process includes data collection, data integrity testing, shipment forecasting, shipment review, and status reset procedures.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Direct mapping of Pipe segment (Aspen HYSYS) or Pipeline (Aspen Plus) to APEA pipe plant bulk is not currently supported. It can sometimes be mapped as ‘C’ a quoted item or to nothing.
|
Solution: The workaround is to manually define the mapping of the pipe unit operation using a component from Plant Bulks > Piping
The following errors are often reported after evaluation.
This is because the pipe input parameters are not automatically transferred from Aspen Plus / Aspen HYSYS pipe unit operation to the APEA pipe plant bulk for sizing and evaluating.
The errors are to inform users that the minimum required input parameters for APEA to size, evaluate and cost the pipe have not been transferred .
These minimum parameters, Pipe length AND pipe diameter or Liquid flow rate / Gas flow rate should be entered manually. See screen shot below as an example.
Keywords: Pipe,Pipe segment, Pipeline, Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, Activated Economics, Plant bulk ,
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Calculated orifice area is different in each run for the Depressuring Utility
|
Solution: The observed problem is likely due to loose tolerance set for the depressuring utility. To resolve this issue:
A) Change the default time step from 0.5 seconds to 0.1 seconds.
B) Ensure that a value is entered for the Max. Area Step Size, as an <empty> cell may have an undesirable effect.
C) Check that a reasonable value has been entered for the pressure tolerance. Too large a value can result in significant deviation when using the same operating conditions.
Refer to the attached image to reference the above points.
Keywords: orifice, area, tolerance, depressuring, utility
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How does ranking works if a set of conversion reactions are added to a reactor?
|
Solution: By default, Aspen HYSYS will automatically assign a rank to each reaction in a set by examining the dependencies that exist between reactants and products.
Rank: is a numerical number, when there are multiple reactions in a Reaction Set, Aspen HYSYS automatically ranks the reactions. A reaction with a lower ranking value occurs first.
For example in the attached simulation case, two conversion reactions have same basis component - CH4:
1. CH4 + H2O -----------> CO + 3 H2
2. CH4 + 2H2O -----------> CO2 + 4 H2
In this case, the reactions are solved based on the default order the % Conversion for each reaction.
For example, if the total amount of CH4 to the reactor is 200 lbmole/hr and if 35% conversion is specified for reaction 1 and 65% conversion is specified for reaction-2 indicates that 35% of the inlet content then the Basis component will react first (70 lbmole/hr), and then 65%(84.5 lbmole/hr) of the Basis component in the remaining inlet content will react (Assuming reaction - 1 occurs first).
Total amount of basis reactant reacted is the sum of Act % Conversion in the reactors Reactions TAB / Results / Reaction Extents.
Also % conversion can be limited based on the availability of other reactants.
You can change the sequence of reactions by assigning them a rank. to assign them a rank:
Go to Basis manager / Reactions TAB / Select the reaction set and click view set
Click on Ranking then assign a number.
Reaction with highest number will occur later.
When there actually exists a competition relationship among conversion reactions with the same specified rank, for instance, in case there is a common limited component like H2O in this case then there is no way to perform the conversion reaction calculations without predetermined (or default) conversions for all of the affected reactions. Aspen HYSYS performs calculations in this case by a default way like this:
1. Allow all the reactions with the same rank to be performed to the extent of their specified conversions or to the fully consumption of limit component, whichever is the limiting factor,
2. Back calculates the reaction extents of all the above reactions in the order of reactions listed in the reaction set to eliminate those overconsumed reactants
3. Final results are the step 1 results plus adjustments in step 2.
Keywords: Conversion reaction, % Conversion, Rank, Conversion reactor.
References: None
|
Problem Statement: If a block name has the same name as a stream name, the stream connectivity for the block will be lost during the mapping operation intoAspen Icarus Process Evaluator (IPE).
|
Solution: Use different name for stream and block in the simulation file.
Keywords: Hysys
Hysim
AspenPlus
ChemCad
ProII
WINGEMS
WinSim
DESIGN II
Simulation
References: None
|
Problem Statement: After I evaluate my project, the utilities costs in the projsum.ICS report does not list all the utilities in my project. How do I find all the utility cost data?
|
Solution: The projsum.ICS cells 273 - 351 no longer report the individual utility resource costs. To view these you need to view the utility results in Excel. The projsum.ICS will still provide the total Utility costs in row 353.
To view the utility costs, you need to view the Investment Analysis results in Excel. Before you evaluate your project, you need to have the Tools | Options | View Spreadsheets in Excel option selected. When you view the results in Excel, you will notice that there are additional worksheets that provide the detailed utility cost information. In newer projects this should work fine.
Note: If you do not see the 'Utility Summary' worksheet in the IPEWB Excel workbook, then it may be because :
a. You have an older version of the IPEWB.xls, where these worksheets were hidden. To unhide them in the IPEWb Excel worksheeet, use Format | Sheet | Unhide.
b. You may be working with a project created in an earlier version of IPE. If so, the IPEWB excel file within your project should be replaced with the newer version of this file. In such cases, you must copy the newer excel template from Data | ICS | IPEWb.xls to replace the older version within your project (ic_cache | Projects | Your Current Project folder).
Keywords: util.ics, projsum.ics, utility, utilities
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How to estimate components of different design criteria within the same project in Aspen Icarus Process Evaluator
|
Solution: Example. Two towers in a project have different flooding factors and tray efficiencies. Import the simulation data, and then before mapping, go to Develop>>Design Criteria. Scroll down to Trayed Towers, and set the flooding factor and tray efficiency for Tower A. Now right click on Tower A in the Process View Tab, and select Map. When the Mapping windows comes up, make sure that Map Selected Item(s) is selected. You only want to map the tower that you have just set the design criteria for. Once Tower A is mapped, go back to the design criteria and set the flooding factor and tray efficiency for Tower B. Now map tower B. Each component uses the design criteria currently set within the project when mapping and sizing.
Keywords: design criteria
mapping
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How does Aspen Fleet Optimizer handle proportionality?
|
Solution: The goal of proportionality is to ensure that customer inventory is proportionate to the customer’s product sales. To accomplish this, Fleet Optimizer calculates deliveries and delivery volume to meet this goal. To eliminate the build-up of non-controlling products at customer sites, you can define maximum day supply limits that are observed during Load Sizing or the creation of split shipments. In certain business cases where the customer’s controlling product makes up 90-96 percent of the average daily sales, the application is sometimes forced to send out shipments that are disproportionate to the average sales by product. In order to eliminate the inventory build-up of non-controlling products, the RSO allows you to define maximum day supply limits that Fleet Optimizer respects when Load Sizing or creating a split shipments. There are two different methods used to manage proportionality Days Supply Threshold and Carrying Costs.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Newly added controllers are not showing up on the Production Control Web Server, only the original controller. All controllers are on the same machine, Dais trader and all required services and processes are running.
|
Solution: Log on to the Production Control Web Server with a WebAdmin account.
Select the Configuration button on top of webpage
Select Security Settings from under the DMCplus list on left hand side of display
Add the unseen controllers to one of the secure groups, assign to the default secure group of there are no other secure groups defined.
Keywords: DMCplus, WebServer, Production Control WebServer, PCWS
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Aspen Icarus has design and cost models for single and double diameter towers. It may be necessary to generate costs for a tower with multiple diameters.
|
Solution: For a column consisting of three or more sections of differing heights, diameters, and wall thicknesses, consider combining sections to produce a two diameter vessel.
Run each of the columns separately in Aspen Icarus and tabulate height, diameter, wall thickness, combining diameters of two adjacent sections (assume the section wall thicknesses are the sam)e. This assumption can be refined, if the section wall thicknesses are radically different. Combine sections such that the total volume of shell material is maintained.
Run Aspen Icarus Process Evaluator using the section heights and diameters as a Double Diameter tower. Let Aspen Icarus perform the designs for wall thickness required for pressure, deflection, windage, seismic, etc.
Copy the resulting Double Diameter vessel into your main project. In the main project, for each RADFRAC-sourced tower, set the estimated cost of each tower to zero (0.0).
Delete the installation bulks by selecting the Options menu within the component specification form. At the bottom of the Mat'l/Man-hours % Adjustments, select warehouse spare (WHSP) as the installation option. In the Engineering option field, delete engineering (-).
Review other items that came in with the RADFRAC mappings to ensure nothing is duplicated.
See the attached spreadsheet, Three towers to one DDT.xls, for additional information.
Keywords: diameter
triple
multi
tower
column
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Is it possible to specify text as the output from an If-Then-Else expression in the HYSYS spreadsheet?
|
Solution: New in Aspen HYSYS 2006.5, text values can be used in If-Then-Else expressions in the spreadsheet. For example, the expression @if(A1>100,flow is greater than 100 kg/hr,normal flow) will return the text normal flow if the value of cell A1 is 80.
Keywords: spreadsheet, logical, function, statement, expression, text, return, value
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Compressor random flow under surge conditions causes model to fail in Aspen HYSYS Dynamics.
|
Solution: An option to disable random flow was added on the compressor Rating | Flow Limits pagetab in Aspen HYSYS 2006. Activating the Do not limit flow to surge/stonewall (only warn) check box allows the user to disable random flow. See the attached sample case and also the screen shot below:
Keywords: random, compressor, surge, flow, limit, warn, disable, stonewall
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When I change the Process Complexity, my TOTAL PROJECT CAPITAL COST does not change nor do the details for my piping and instrumentation costs, etc.
|
Solution: Process description, Process complexity and Project type in Standard basis file affect the percent of contingency in the same file. The Total Project Capital Cost may change but items and their associated costs never change.
Please follow the version specific steps to change and apply the process complexity, process description or project type contingency percent:
For ICARUS Process Evaluator 5.1:
Open your project file.
Open the Standard Basis file
Delete the existing value in the CONTINGENCY PERCENT field
Select the PROCESS COMPLEXITY or other item (process description or project type).
Click the RUN button, then review and close the report that appears.
The CONTINGENCY PERCENT field should have been updated with the new percentage based on your selection.
For Aspen ICARUS Process Evaluator 6.0:
Open your project file.
Click on the Project Basis View tab. Then double-click on GENERAL SPECS to bring up the specifications form.
Delete the existing value in the CONTINGENCY PERCENT field
Select the PROCESS COMPLEXITY or other item (process description or project type).
Click the APPLY button, the new value should be entered in the CONTINGENCY PERCENT field.
If you have entered your own contingency, then making changes to process description, process complexity and project type will have no effect on your total project capital costs.
Keywords: process complexity
process description
contingency
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is the warning manager feature used for in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
|
Solution: The Warnings Manager stores warning messages that are created during the operation of Fleet Optimizer. Warnings information can be sorted and printed to help dispatchers address scheduling problems, data problems, or user errors. This function is used to help ensure data quality before planning, scheduling, and dispatching activities. The warnings manager should be checked multiple times throughout the day to help prevent any supply shocks.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How does Aspen Fleet Optimizer use the data mode button?
|
Solution: The Data Mode (Radio Buttons) buttons notify the user of what data is being collected for forecasting each customer's shipments, such as sales, inventory, or both. A check mark in the center of the radio button shows the user what type of information is being provided for that customer, such as sales information only, inventory information only, or both sales and inventory information. By knowing how the information is being supplied, the user is in a better position to understand how to correct the exception.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When I export my simulation case to Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA), multiple areas are being created in APEA. Why?
|
Solution: When you export a simulation case from either Aspen plus or Aspen HYSYS to create a project scenario in Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA), you might find that multiple Areas are created automatically. This is most likely due to the fact that the simulation case had hierarchies in a Global flowsheet (as is the case with Aspen Plus) or sub-flowsheets in a main flowsheet (Aspen HYSYS). Each flowsheet is creating a separate area in APEA.
These areas created by the simulator cannot be deleted because attempting to do so would delete the mappings. If having process equipment in multiple Areas is not desired then the user can do the following:
1. After importing the simulation file, map the simulator items
2. In the Project View, drag & drop all the process equipment into one Area
3. Proceed with project evaluation.
Once the process equipment are all in the desired area(s), users can create a new project scenario, then import the project items from the original scenario into the new scenario, but without having to deal with multiple areas. Do not import the empty areas from the original project.
Please note that even after dragging & dropping process equipment from an undesired Area, this now empty Area cannot be deleted because it was mapped from a simulation file. When evaluated, plant bulk electrical components will be generated for all areas in the scenario, even ones with no project items.
Alternatively, users can bring all their process unit operations into the main flowsheet (Global flowsheet) while still in the simulation case, before exporting to APEA.
Keywords: Hierarchies, subflowsheet, multiple Areas
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How can I control the warnings in Aspen Fleet Optimizer Data Quality Manager?
|
Solution: Override Warnings occur when the user overrides an exception by ignoring the variance and moving on without correcting it. When the Override Warnings option in the Options Menu is checked on, Aspen Fleet Optimizer displays two dialog boxes to remind the user to flag delivered shipments as delivered and assign the proper shift to any late shipments. Aspen Fleet Optimizer will not display these dialog boxes after the user overrides an exception if the Override Warnings option is not selected.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is sales test override used for in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
|
Solution: The Sales Test Override value is used in inventory only forecasting. If sales of this product remain within the override percentage from expected sales for that day, the user will not be required to manually confirm delivered shipments in the data quality manager. The Sales Test Override value must always be less than or equal to the sales test range value.
Keywords: Data quality manager, product setup
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How do I set up what each role has access to in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
|
Solution: To configure Aspen Fleet Optimizer Security:
Log into Fleet Optimizer using a user role that has been granted the AUMIM_SEC database role.
In Fleet Optimizer, select Utilities Security Utility from the main menu.
Double-click on a function and select the database role(s) that will have permission to use the function.
When a role is selected checked, all users associated with that database role have permission to use the function; when a role is cleared (not checked), all users associated with that database role do not have permission to use the function. Complete this process for each function in the list.
Click OK to save the security settings and close the Security Utility.
The Sales Test Override value is used in inventory only forecasting. If sales of this product remain within the override percentage from expected sales for that day, the user will not be required to manually confirm delivered shipments in the data quality manager. The Sales Test Override value must always be less than or equal to the sales test range value.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is NPV (Net Present Value) value and how do I calculate it?
|
Solution: NPV is the result for accumulating the net earnings (NE) at a given period then modified by the interest rate. It is current worth of all the Net Earnings received through period n. The Net Earnings (NE) are funds available after taxes have been paid. This number is obtained by subtracting the Taxes from the Earnings before Taxes.
NPV uses the default equation:
NPV= -C0 + C1/(1+r) + C2/(1+r)2…
Where:
C0 in the initial investment (calculated with the cost of materials and man hours or installation cost)
C1, C2, Cn = cash flow
Keywords: NPV, Net Present Value , Cash Flow , Net earnings, Investment Analysis
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How to delete areas in Aspen Process Economic Analyzer that were created while importing from a simulator (HYSYS/Aspen Plus)?
|
Solution: Currently, there is no way to suppress areas developed from simulator file. The only approach is to create a new scenario, and then bring the equipment into a single area in the new scenario.
To do this:
1) In the existing scenario, drag and drop all the equipment into the main area
2) Create a new scenario and import this main area into the new file.
Keywords: area, HYSYS, Aspen Plus
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Why can I not assign a carrier to truck in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
|
Solution: Fleet Optimizer allows you to create profiles for frequently used carriers. By creating a profile that contains an email address, you can email Transport Tender reports directly to carriers from within RSO. Each carrier must be assigned to a terminal before it can be assigned to trucks in that terminal. If you are unable to assign a carrier to a specific truck please go into the carrier set up and verify the truck's home terminal is assigned to the carrier.
Keywords: trucks, carrier
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How do I keep the unit of measurement (in metric units) of my Simulation case from changing to the Inch-Pound units when I send case to Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA)?
|
Solution: When sending Aspen Plus / Hysys Simulation case to APEA, the default unit of measurement is US Inch Pound. This is because the default template used is the US_IP template file.
This could be inconvenient if user wishes to keep equipment details in their own metric specification. This can be resolved by changing the default US_ IP before using the Send to Economics feature.
Go to the Economics Ribbon Tab and click in the Cost Options. On the window for Process Economic Analyzer Options, click the Browse button to select the required metric unit of measurement template.
After which the simulation case sent to APEA will be in metric unit set of measurement.
Alternatively, when the simulation case opens in APEA the unit of measurement can be changed in the project set up window. See screen shot below.
Keywords: metric , Inch Pound, Send to Economics feature.
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How does Aspen Fleet Optimizer know if a product is available?
|
Solution: Products must be flagged available for the Transport Scheduling Optimization to schedule a transport to pick up product from the given terminal. The Transport Scheduling Optimization will search for available products and transports and match them up in optimal delivery schedules. Products entered in the software must be flagged as available or unavailable, so the Transport Scheduling Optimization can choose alternate product sources if necessary. The user must enter the terminal-to-terminal trip times for all terminals within the same group. The Transport Scheduling Optimization uses the terminal to terminal trip times to help make re-sourcing decisions and to calculate new trip times.
Keywords: RSO
References: None
|
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