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Problem Statement: When trying to generate a plot from Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS), a user is getting the error Connection failure is fatal. (The plots work in Aspen Process Explorer.) What is he/she to do?
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Solution: First things to check:
1) Double-check that both Anonymous and Integrated Authentication
are set on the MSADC virtual root in IIS manager.
2) Check that the ADSA data source name is identical to the
AWServer host name (not just the underlying service for that data
source, but the data source name itself).
3) Try restarting the TSK_DEFAULT_SERVER task on the AW Server.
That is the task that handles all the plotting via the Web (a different
task serves the PE plot data).
4) Last resort. Perform an IIS restart (type iisrestart from the
command prompt). This will disconnect all active IE connections for
PCWS.
Also see:Solution 106659 - Connection Failure is Fatal
Keywords: failure, plot, pcws, aspenwatch, history
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the Incemental Backhaul Cost field for on the Order Detail screen?
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Solution: The backhaul cost is the cost associated with the driving time / distance back to the trucks home terminal. This cost is not considered in the optimization, but is added to the cost shown for the order in RSO and in the scorecard. The Incremental Backhaul Cost field is only enabled after optimizing a shift and opening the order from the RSO.
Keywords: Backhaul
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why are my new routing type names from my pipe routing DAT file not appearing in my drop down list?
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Solution: We don't support changing the routing type descriptions. You may make changes to the fitting/valve counts for the existing 5 different routing types. However you should not change the routing type descriptions.
The supported routing descriptions that we have in the drop-down list are:
AGU - Above Ground Unit
AGR - Above Ground Rack
UGU - Underground Unit
MRP - Machine Room Piping
OTP - Other piping
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where does the Opening Inventory in DQM get populated from?
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Solution: This field is populated once a Customer is selected. It gets the value for this field from the TPS_YESTINFO table. The values that are shown here are from these fields:
FIRSTDATE
FIRSTHOUR
FIRSTMIN
FIRSTINV1
FIRSTINV2
FIRSTINV3
FIRSTINV4
FIRSTINV5
These values represent the first Inventory information that was brought into the system yesterday after the Done for the Day Service was run.
Keywords: DQM, Opening Inventory
References: None
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Problem Statement: How does the loading cost by volume field work in terminal setup?
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Solution: This option allows you to set terminal specific loading costs by volume. AFO uses the loading cost per volume when calculating the total transportation costs in the scorecard. AFO calculates the total transportation costs by multiplying the volume scheduled by the cost in the ?loading cost by volume? and then adds this number to the optimization cost. The optimization cost is reported on the Scorecard available in the Optimizer in the field called ?variable loading costs?. It has no effect on the choices made in the optimizer. For example, if the loading cost per volume was $.0002 per gallons and the total volume for the dispatch was 100,000 gallons, the calculation would be 100,000X $.0002=$20.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How does the what-if function work?
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Solution: The What-If Delivery functionality allows the user to make modifications to existing shipments to note the effect before saving the changes. The What-If Delivery enhancement works only with forecasted customers. It allows the user to see what happens if the parameters of an existing shipment are changed. Instantly, the user can see how the delivery schedule will be affected. The user can access What-If Delivery from either the tank info button within a shipment or from the tank icon in the main menu of the Replenishment Planner. While the user can access What-If Delivery from other applications in Aspen Retail, changes can only be saved while in the Replenishment Planner. Inside of Replenishment Planner, click on the tank info icon, the user can also access it from the view menu. Highlight the shipment that the user want to trial and make
the changes to it. Click 'Trial'. Notice that the selected shipment was adjusted and all future deliveries were adjusted. To save the changes, click on the 'save' button.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Does the Reforecast Utility actually reforecast the accounts?
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Solution: No, the Reforecast Utility marks accounts in a position so that you may re-run the DQM process if you have already run it for the day. This often happens when a user makes adjustments to things that would affect the forecast and would like it to be reflected in the current day's forecast, such as the Holiday Storm Planner or changes to Sales Trends, etc.
Once the changes have been made, the user would run the Reforecast Utility for the desired account or selection of accounts, then process them in DQM to create the updated forecast.
Keywords: Forecast Updating, Reforecast Utility
References: None
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Problem Statement: How does labor productivity vary with length of the work week (hours per week) and shift?
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Solution: In Aspen Tech Economics suite the standard work week is 40 hours. The 100% default productivity is based on this standard. In case there is a modification in the user work week input on general Workforce Data, the system automatically evaluates the deviation in productivity as depicted in the figure below.
Keywords: Productivity, Work week
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to cost an instrument for both local gauge and transmission.
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Solution: You can specifically have Aspen Capital Cost Estimator cost a dual function instrument, such as local level and transmission level, by using the loop continuation option (+) in the Instrument volumetric model.
In the case above, he first item specifies the local level gauge and the second item is the level transmitter but they can be shown as part of the same loop by using the loop continuation “+� in the “Instrument volumetric model� input field.
In the CCP report this results in:
Keywords: instrument continuation, dual function, dual
References: None
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Problem Statement: After upgrading to V8.7.1 (or higher version) custom reports do not work anymore and the following error is shown: 'Startup template not found'. How do I import my old reports in the new version?
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Solution: Reporter allows users to query results data from the Access database stored in ProjectsDir location and generate reports. These can be pre-configured system reports or custom reports.Solution 138722 explains in detail how to create customized reports.
The error shown in the problem description means that the 'st.xlsm' file, template required for custom reports, is not found in the Templates directory. The location of the templates directory can be found by CustomRepDir in Preferences under the Locations tab:
ID V8.7.1 the 'st.xlsx' template has been upgraded to a macros enabled version of the same file ('st.xlsm'). This error occurring after upgrading, it is most likely a indication that the user is still applying V8.4 templates with V8.7.1.
In order to solve the problem, users should copy V8.7.1 templates the CustomRepDir (screenshot above). The templates can be found under:
C:\ProgramData\Documents\AspenTech\Shared Economic Evaluation V8.8\Reporter\Templates
Keywords: Startup template not found, custom reports.
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the default power distribution system in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?
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Solution: For a new project, Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) by default includes one main substation feeding a default unit substation. The main substation is assumed to be an existing one, so no electrical bulk quantities will be generated for it. If the electrical bulk quantities are required in the estimate, user should change the input parameters for this default main substation. All newly added and imported areas, and newly added process control items, are automatically linked to the default unit substation.
Keywords: Substations
References: None
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Problem Statement: When I create a new area and enter a value for my length and width that is not an integer value, the dimensions are left blank when I later go to edit the area dimensions:
Area | Modify | Area Specs of the newly created area.
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Solution: This happens due to the comma. While the equipment specs will not allow the use of periods to specify non-integer numbers, the Area Dimensions box will allow it and will actually require for you to use periods instead of commas.
Keywords: Area Dimensions blank, length, width, comma.
References: None
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Problem Statement: Should we use SQL native client or standard SQL server ODBC driver?
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Solution: Aspen recommends that for Aspen Fleet Optimizer (AFO), the standard SQL ODBC driver is used. We have found that the SQL native client has stricter error checking than the standard driver which may cause issues with AFO. The SQL native driver is used for applications which are more tightly linked to specific SQL server functions and features which is not the case with AFO.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: If I put in multiple Truck Type Only Restrictions, does the Optimizer go through them in order?
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Solution: Actually the Optimizer is running primarily a Heuristic Optimization, which is a rules based Optimization. It looks for valid options and makes choices based upon these. This means that in looking for a valid truck to put an order on, if the truck is in one of the valid groups, it may be selected, regardless of the order in which those restrictions were created on the Customer Setup Screen under Truck Type Restrictions.
Keywords: Truck Type Restrictions
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I use the setting Cost Weight Percentage?
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Solution: The Customize.ini setting CostWeightPercentage_BFT is used by the two settings, useBestFeasibleTerminal_AutoDispatch and useBestFeasibleTerminal_Manual. The Cost Weight Percentage setting allows the user to configure the Best Buy Optimization to use a variable cost/distance calculation if it needs to go to an alternate supply point (other than the least cost option).
This setting takes values from 0 to 1, and uses these as a percentage of how to weight the choice. If the setting is set to .6, the Best Buy decision is weighted 60% to Cost and 40% to Distance when looking at alternate terminal choices.
Keywords: CostWeightPercentage_BFT
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to unlock a locked file in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?
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Solution: There are 2 ways to unlock a locked file
1. Through the Palette View
a. Find the locked file under the Projects tab in the Palette View.
b. Right click and click on Unlock
2. Through native project folder containing locked file
a. Open the folder containing the .izp file
b. The folder will have a .lck file
c. Delete the .lck file. This will unlock the file and it will be ready for use.
Keywords: .lck, locked file, unlock
References: None
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Problem Statement: What should the user check if a file crashes/freezes after saving and he is unable to run the program until he deletes the lock file ?
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Solution: The PROJECT.LCK and SESSION.LCK files are created to ensure that only 1 user is working on it at a time. Normally, both these files will be deleted once the .izp file is closed. However, in some cases the SESSION.LCK file remains there and the user is unable to access the program or the file.
In such a scenario, the user should delete the SESSION.LCK file by going to the following location:
C:\Users\<USERID>\AppData\Local\AspenTech\Economic Evaluation V8.X\Projects
Another way to access this folder is by going to the Cached Project folder which can be found at the following location:
C:\Users\<USERID>\Documents\AspenTech\My Economic Evaluation V8.X Files
The user should ensure that the file is not being used by another user.
After doing so, the user should be able to access the program or file.
Please note that the paths mentioned above are available in Windows 7 and Windows 8 only.
Keywords: SESSION.LCK, lock file
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is bay span and bay width in Open Steel Structure?
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Solution: Open steel structure includes columns, girders, beams, cross-bracing, grating and column footings, handrail and toeplates, and stairways.
The bay span and width represent the typical column spacing and is used to determine the number of columns and column load. The bay span is used to size the support beams, and bay width is used to size the main girders connecting to the columns.
To understand this, refer to diagram below.
Column - A primary member used in a vertical position on a building to transfer loads from main roof beams, stresses, or rafters to the foundation.
Keywords: Bay span, bay width, steel structure
References: None
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Problem Statement: What year is the Cost Basis for V8.7.1 Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE), Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator (AIPCE), and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA)?
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Solution: The Cost Basis for V8.7.1 Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE), Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator (AIPCE), and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA) is Q1 2014 (1rst Quarter of 2014).
Keywords: Cost Basis, Q1 2014, Q1
References: None
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Problem Statement: I am asking Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) to calculate my rental equipment, but it is not doing it; why not?
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Solution: Make sure that you have not told ACCE that Wage rates include all indirects (ie used a minus - sign for Indirects). If that is chosen then the indirects will be included in the wage rates and not reported separately. Rental equipment is in indirect, so there will be no rental equipment calculated and your Rental Equipment Report will be empty.
Leave the field blank, and then the default Base wage rates given, indirects elsewhere will be used and the rental equipment needed will be calcualted.
Keywords: indirects, rental equipment, wage, wage rates, loaded, unloaded
References: None
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Problem Statement: We can choose several Installation bulk options for Piping, Instrument, Civil, etc. Each installation bulk has volumetric model items. What do they mean?
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Solution: The description for each item is listed below.
1. Piping
blank - Specified pipe only, no volume, model
This option should rarely be used. It is a rapid way to discard the complete piping model for this item; however, in addition to discarding all of the automatically generated lines of pipe, this also discards all the associated drains/vents and pipe-associated instrumentation. The system now generates only piping, drains/vents and on-/in-line instrumentation for those lines that you subsequently define. Once you have used this option, the other options below cannot be used because the model is already discarded. If you subsequently re-create a line that the volumetric model would have automatically created, the associated on-/in-line instrumentation is automatically “re-created.”
A - Add line to pipe volumetric model
This option is used to add a new line of pipe to a component. The number of the new line must be higher than any other automatically created or user-defined line. For example, if a component generates lines 1 to 6, then an added line may have the number 7 to 98. The area dimensions will have no effect on the length of these lines. It is not necessary to add line numbers in numeric order; however, they will be generated and reported in numeric order. To associate instrumentation with a new line, specify that a sensor or control element location is this line number. Line 99 is reserved for drains/vents.
C - Change lines on pipe volumetric model
This is a commonly used option. It is used to modify automatically generated lines of pipe; user-specified lines are not changed. The line is generated exactly at it would have been in the absence of your specifications, except for the items which you change. You may use this to change only the metallurgy, diameter or length of a run, or only the valves and fittings (including setting the quantity to 0) or any combination of these.
D - Delete line on pipe volumetric model
This option deletes a single line of automatically generated pipe and its associated drains/vents and instrumentation.
R - Replace line on pipe volumetric model
This option replaces the automatically generated line completely with the exact line that you specify. If you do not define something for this line, you do not get it. For example, if you specify a line of fixed length containing no valves or fittings, then you only get the straight-run of pipe.
2. Instrument
blank - Specified loop only, no volumetric model
This option should rarely be used; it is a rapid way to discard the complete instrument model for this item. The system now generates instrumentation for those loops that you subsequently define. To define new loops, you continue to use this “blank” option for each successive loop. Once you have used this option, the other options below cannot be
used because the model is already discarded.
A - Add loop to instrument volumetric model
This option is used to add a new loop to a component. The number of the new loop must be higher than any other automatically created or user defined loop. It is not necessary to add loop numbers in numeric order; however, they will be generated and reported in numeric order. For example, if a component generates loops 1 to 6, then an added loop can have the number 7 to 99.
D - Delete loop on instrument volumetric model
This option deletes a single loop, including sensor, transmitter, cable, control center connections and final control element.
R - Replace loop on instrument volumetric model
This option replaces the automatically generated loop completely with the exact loop that you specify. If you do not define something for this loop, or you selectively delete a part, you do not get it. For example, if you specify a sensor and transmitter only, then you only get the signal generated and sent to the control center.
+ - Append to previous loop w/same number
This option is used to append extra sensors or control valves to the immediately preceding, user-defined loop (you must also correctly specify the loop number of the preceding loop). It may not be used to append items to automatically generated loops; to do this, you should first use the replace option to redefine the loop, then use the “+” option. Whether you are appending a sensor or control element, you should make entries for both the sensor and control valve locations.
3. Civil
V - Default civil model + any specified data
This option is used to add new data to the default volumetric model.
It is important to choose (V) for the Civil volumetric model field if the intent is to only change the rebar type used for the default civil bulks generated by the system. The available rebar types are either Standard or Epoxy coated.
X - Default civil model + any specified data
This option is used if user loads data from In-Plant Cost Estimator which no volumetric model is defined.
- - Delete default civil model
This option deletes automatically generated civil bulk items for the component.
Specified data only, no default civil
It is a rapid way to discard the complete civil model for this item. The system now generates only civil items that you defined.
4. Electrical/Steel
blank - Specified data only, no volume. Model
Steel -Ladders and platforms will automatically be developed for towers and vessels. Electrical - All motors are wired up to MCC. Lights are automatically placed on platforms.
This option will discard the automatically generated electrical/steel model for this item.
V - Volumetric model (if exists)+any specified data
This option is used to add steel/electrical bulk items to the existing volumetric model.
- - Delete volumetric model for this bulk
This option deletes automatically generated electrical/steel bulk items for the component.
Keywords: volumetric model, installation bulk options.
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I see th shop fabrication hours?
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Solution: § Select “FIELD” as the job or area pipe fabrication type.
§ Set the job productivity to 118%.
or Index IPM x 85%
§ Do an item run on a piping bulk item and the field shop fabrication hours are now comparable to the remote shop hours
Keywords: shop fabrication hours, shop, fabrication
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the best way to search the Help Files in V73 of AFO?
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Solution: In the Configuration Utility, all of the items are configured to be context sensitive for the Help files, so you can simply highlight an item and hit F1 and it will take you to the desired Help file location. There are some gaps in the Help files which we are working to address with each version, but most of the items in this list will link to a location in the documentation that should explain the ini entries. This is a significant improvement to the ini file setup we have had for many versions.
Keywords: Configuration Utility, Help Files
References: None
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Problem Statement: Can IT Support control access to ini settings with V73?
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Solution: Yes. In the new INI configuration Utility, all individual settings are controlled at the database level. The IT Support group can update and control ini settings without going out to each individual desktop now. In the database the table TPS_CONFIG_ENTRY contains the following fields:
USERID
PARAMID
VALUE
The IT Support group can simply alter any USERID's VALUE's to match whatever baseline values they desire in one quick update.
Keywords: INI Configuration Utility, INI files
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why is the hardware cost for the TGS (Tank Gauging System)Â Â 0 (zero) in the CCP report?
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Solution: If a loop has been specified for the equipment in the area supported by the TGS (under Options| Instrumentation), and in this loop, the Control Center type of TGS is not specified (blank), the hardware cost is 0.
Once Control center type field is set to TGS, a hardware cost will be estimated. This also explains why the hardware cost line item is in the CCP report, but not in the Interactive report (if an item has 0 material/labor cost, it doesn't get included in the Interactive reports).
Keywords: Tank Gauging System, TGS, hardware system cost
References: None
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Problem Statement: I am using the TEFC Motor with variable speed drive, but do not see my VFD listed;Â why not?
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Solution: The cost of the VFD is included with the motor cost. It is using a gear drive for speed control, and that mechanical drive cost is included in the cost of the motor. So it does not estimate a separate VFD.Â
Keywords: VFD, motor
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I create matrices in global optimizer?
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Solution: Matrix Generation by Global Region
Before running a Global Optimization you must ensure that trip time and distance information is up-to-date in the Aspen Retail 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 Retail. 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.
Prerequisites
Before you can create a matrix you must:
Install Microsoft MapPoint (or comparable software) on the computer where Aspen Retail is installed. Two versions of MapPoint are available - MapPoint North America and MapPoint Europe. Make sure the version of MapPoint you install is the correct version for your geographic area.
Ensure that each station and terminal has a valid address or valid latitude and longitude coordinates. Aspen Retail assumes that the location information provided is correct.
Define the following settings in the Internal.ini file:
[Matrix] section
- MaxAllowableTripTime
- MaxAllowableTripDistance
[mapping] section
- enablemapping = 1
- MapPointProgID = MapPoint.Map.EU (for the European version of MapPoint) or Map.Point.Map.NA for the North American version of MapPoint)
- MapPointAppID = MapPoint.Application.EU (for the European version of MapPoint) or Map.Point.Map.NA for the North American version of MapPoint)
For information about matrix generation settings, see the INI Settings chapter in the Aspen Retail Administration Guide.
To avoid a potential problem with erroneous trip times in Microsoft MapPoint, set the Start Driving at and End Driving at fields in MapPoint to span a 24-hour period, such as 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM. This prevents erroneous trip times caused by the resting period between driving times. For example, assume the following conditions: the Start Driving at time is set to 8:00 AM and the End Driving at time is set to 6:00 PM and you have a 1 hour trip that starts at 5:30 PM. In this case, MapPoint calculates the total trip time not as 1 hour but as 15 hours (30 minutes (5:30 PM to 6:00 PM) plus 14 hours (the resting period between driving times) plus 30 minutes (8:00 AM to 8:30 AM)).
To Generate a Matrix
Use the following steps to create trip time and distance matrices.
Select Utilities | Matrix Generation from the Global Region menu. The Matrix Generation dialog box appears. Enter the Global Region ID for the global region that contains the stations and terminals for which you want to create a matrix. Select the portion of the trip matrix you want to generate:
Station to Station = Calculates trip times and distances between all stations within the selected global region.
Station to Terminal = Calculates trip times and distances from all stations to all terminals in the selected global region.
Terminal to Terminal = Calculates trip times and distances between all terminals in the selected global region.
Optionally, you can select:
Do Bi-Directional Lookups
Calculates the driving time and distances separately for trips to and from a destination. Select this option if the one-way drive times and distances are different between two points. Do not select this option if both one-way drive times and distances are the same.
Permit Destructive Override area
These options apply only if a matrix was previously created. If you have not created a matrix, they do not apply.
The options to overwrite existing matrix records are:
Auto = Overwrites existing records for stations whose matrix information was created automatically and was not manually modified.
Manual = Overwrites existing records for stations whose matrix information was modified manually.
Both = Overwrites all existing records, including all automatically-created records and manually-modified records.
None = Does not overwrite any existing records. Only new records can be added for new stations.
Note: Group By Zone option is currently disabled for Global Optimization.
Click Generate to create the matrix.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why do I get a message saying the system is unable to check input weeks for construction ? No matter how many weeks I enter I always get this error.
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Solution: This is not an error message, it is only a warning. This warning message is generated any time you enter the “Total construction weeks” in the schedule options form. During scan the scheduling portion does not get run so the engine cannot check the specified total weeks against calculated total weeks. So that’s what the message is trying to tell you.
The system can adjust the schedule to the your input total weeks of construction if that value is between 0.3 to 3 times the system calculated weeks of construction. You can take a look at the project schedule section in the CCP report to see the system calculated value. In this case the system calculated schedule is 17 weeks of construction, and the user entered 48:
SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS (PERCENT)
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why am I unable to see the Schedule option in the Preferences menu that is required to link Primavera to Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?
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Solution: The Schedule option by default is not present in the Preferences menu ACCE. This Schedule option is used to interconnect ACCE with Primavera.
To activate this Schedule option you have to check the Project Scheduling Features in the Options pop-up window which appears after starting of ACCE.
Then create a new project while selecting appropriate units. After that if you go to Tools | Options | Preferences, then you can see the Schedule option is activated, which is used for to link Primavera to ACCE.
For linking ACCE with Primavera please refer KBSolution 132473.
Keywords: Primavera, Schedule, ACCE, Preferences, Interlink
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does spike trend percentage do?
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Solution: The Sales Trend Spike Percentage is the threshold value in percentage terms at which AFO will consider a short-term fluctuation in sales a new trend. The Sales Trend Spike Percentage' takes effect only after two days of consistent fluctuations.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where can I find a chart with all the Combined Status Indicator list for French localization release?
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Solution: Find below the list of the Combined Status Indicator (CSI) for the French localization language.
Code (FR)
Description (FR)
Normal
Normal, fonction. entre limites.
Lim Haute
L'application prévoit de déplacer la var. jusqu'à sa limite sup.
Lim Basse
L'application prévoit de déplacer la var. jusqu'à sa limite inf.
ROC Haut
Limité par le déplacement maximum vers le haut.
ROC Bas
Limité par le déplacement maximum vers le bas.
Dépl min
Pas de déplac. car config. de déplacement minimum.
Point Cons
Fonctionn avec lim réduites ou au pt consigne.
Inactif
Variable désactivée, indic. de service désact.
Rampe
Rampe ou var. d'intégration.
> Lim Haute
Fonctionn. avec cible au-dessus de limite sup.
< Lim Basse
Fonctionn. avec cible au-dessous limite inf.
Auc Coût
Fonctionn. entre limites avec cible non touchée par facteurs de coût actuels.
Cible Ext
L'application prévoit de déplacer la var. vers val. cible externe.
> ET Haute
Fonctionn. aussi près que possible mais au-dessus cible ext.
< ET Basse
Fonctionn. aussi près que possible mais au-dessous cible ext.
> ET AWS
Fonctionn. aussi près que possible de cible ext. mais restreinte par position soupape max. (MV)
< ET AWS
Fonctionn. aussi près que possible de cible ext. mais restreinte par position soupape min. (MV)
Val. Inc
Val. incorrecte, variable non incluse dans calculs application.
Crit Inc
Val. incorrecte pour var. critique. L'application est désactivée.
CSS Inc
Val. incorrecte pour var. critique incluse dans calculs CLP.
Hors Srv
Variable mise hors service par opérateur.
Hors Ing
Variable mise hors service par ingénieur.
DCS Manuel
Variable en mode manuel DCS, non disponible pour contrôle.
DCS Local
Variable en mode local DCS, non disponible pour contrôle.
Err Cfg
Variable incorrecte et hors service en raison erreur de config.
Ut prév
Variable entre mises à jour signal intermittent et prévision basée sur la dernière bonne valeur.
Prév slt
Var. correcte pour prévision mais non dispo. pour contrôle.
AWS Bas
Fonctionn. sur cible limitée par position de soupape min. (fermée en bas)
AWS Haut
Fonctionn. sur cible limitée par position de soupape max. (fermée en haut)
AWS Bloq
Fonctionn. sur cible limitée par déplac. soupape restreint (bloquée)
Echel
Echelonn. en cours de MV actuel. active dans gp test assigné.
Echel Suiv
MV suivante à échelonner ds gp de test assigné.
Test
Cette variable est membre d'un gp de test actif.
Cléf ramp
Cette MV est destinée à gérer une variable de rampe.
Suspendre
Aucun déplac. permis ds cette MV à moins que CV ne violent les contraintes au-delà marge CV.
Repositionner
Cette variable fait partie d'une action de contrôle multivariable pour ramener les CV dans les limites.
Lab
Cette var. intervient dans le mode Lab.
Correction
Cette var. va effectuer une série d'étapes au sein d'une action de contrôle multivariable discrète pour ramener CV dans les limites.
Multi-Test
Cette var. intervient dans le mode MULTI-TEST.
Keywords: PCWS, CSI, Combined Status Indicator, French release
References: None
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Problem Statement: I would like to evaluate an equipment item, a floating roof storage tank with a secondary containment wall. I do not find a pre-defined component of this type in the component library. How do I model such equipment items for evaluation?
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Solution: Use the Flat bottom storage tank, optional roof component type from the Process equipment library together with the Tank containment - concrete paving, wall, Civil type equipment from the Plant Bulk library.
Keywords: floating roof storage tank, secondary containment wall, Tank containment
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to remove the cost of Pipe Shoes/Hangers for individual 'Above Grade Piping' component?
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Solution: Unfortunately there is no direct field to remove the cost of Pipe Shoes/ Hangers for a Above Grade Piping component. Following is a good workaround to achieve this:
1. Create a new Area
2. Place only the Above Grade Piping component in the area
3. Zero out the cost for Pipe Hangers (COA 366) in Area Level specifications as shown in the screenshot.
Keywords: pipe hangers/ shoes, COA 366
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to create a unit rate Excel report?
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Solution: Please follow given steps to generate unit rate report .
1. If you wish to adjust the system default unit rates, remove all indexing before exporting the Unit Rate File.
2. Navigate to the Project Basis View|General Project Data|Estimate Basis for Unit Rates.
Enter “N� (No unit rates applied).
3. Evaluate the scenario
4. From the Run menu select “Detailed Unit Rate Estimating�.
5. Create the Unit Rate File using the Detailed Unit Rate Estimating dialog box.
6. Edit Unit Rate File. Then save.
7. Add the revised Unit Rate File back into the scenario.
8. Set the Estimate Basis for Unit Rates to: P – Project level unit rates, C – Specific contractor level unit rates, or S – Specific contractor rates if available else project level unit rates
9. Evaluate the scenario.
10. Display the Unit Rate Report.
11. Check your changes to the unit rates Â
Keywords: Unit Rates, Unit Rate Reports
References: None
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Problem Statement: My company installs wires directly from the device to the Distributed Control System and I do not need Junction Boxes to be added in my estimation. How do I delete them?
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Solution: Whether you want to delete Junction Boxes for all of your areas or just one, you can go to Area Specifications | Instrumentation
And set the value to zero for Distance Junction Box to CC.
Field junction box will not be estimated if the user entered value is zero. If you want to delete all junction boxes from the project, repeat this procedure for every area in it. If you just wish to suppress it from a specific area, do this for the area in question.
As of version V8.8.2, when doing this, a warning message will appear when estimating the project, indicating that Junction Boxes will not be estimated.
Keywords: Junction Box, delete
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where does Aspen Capital Cost Estimator get the conversion rate when running Decision Analyzer?
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Solution: The exchange rate that you see when you apply the relocation from Decision Analyzer is taken from financial sources (e.g. BLS) and it is based on the first day of the costing basis year. Notice that each release of the software has a different basis and therefore may have different default exchange rate values. You can find a list of the used exchange rates for USD to other currencies in the documentation (User Guide) on chapter 9 Changing Plant Capacity and Location. Other combinations are not included in the documentation because it is unfeasible to do so.
Also, it is important to point out that these values will greatly vary from the value used by default by ACCE because of timing and volatility of international markets. Users are encouraged to change the conversion rate on the General Project Data form because of this.
Keywords: conversion, exchange, USD, dollar
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is there a report that shows a break-down of the module weight?
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Solution: Yes. As part of the CCP report, there is a Module Summary table. The report gives the weight of each module/sub-module and includes only the things installed in the module shop.
Keywords: Module Summary, module, summary, table, weight
References: None
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Problem Statement: What are the differences in reporting rental equipment costs between Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) and Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator (AIPE)?
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Solution: Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator, as the name indicates, is for in-Plant estimation (not multiple contractors). Rental equipment is calculated based on days of usage. ACCE is designed for bigger project which you can engage multiple contractors. Thus the rental equipment duration is calculated based on the total duration the equipment is rented (cost you have to pay per rental), rather than the effective days the rental equipment is actually being used.
Besides this, ACCE does it's best to optimize pieces of equipment that can be used on multiple components, where schedule permits, so that multiple pieces of the same equipment do not have to be rented. Rental equipment cost has minimal costs (shorter time periods cost more), so sharing, where possible, rental equipment between components helps reduce the cost. This is the general concept.
Keywords: Rental Equipment, total days, Rental duration
References: None
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Problem Statement: Can I increase the weight of my component?
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Solution: You cannot increase the weight of a system generated component, but you can add weight to its bulks which would affect the design weight of the structure it is associated with. This can be done by using the component option, Mat'l/Man-hour additions and specifying a weight.
(note in above screenshot – the values for material cost, Labor hours, and Quantity were the default values but must be entered manually)
The added weight will not affect or appear as part of the component's weight, but will be an additional weight considered as part of it's installation bulks.
Keywords: weight, add weight, installation bulk
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where does the Sales and Inventory Import Service write data to?
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Solution: When the Aspen Sales and Inventory Service runs, it imports data from the TCIF_SIIMP table and writes it to the TPS_NEWINFO table. Here the data will be processed by either the Forecast Service or through the Data Quality Manager.
Keywords: SIIMP, Sales and Inventory Import
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why am I not seeing any setting hours on my large, agitated tank?
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Solution: The agitated tank is probably a field fabricated tank. If the agitated tank is field fabricated, all the vessel costs will be reported as “material cost”. All vendor costs (material and hours), including the “setting hours”, will be reported as the “material cost” of the vessel. To see if a vessel is field fabricated or not, you can check:
Project Basis View | Basis for Capital Costs | Design Basis | Equipment Specs
The default diameter is 14.5 feet and the default height is 100 feet. If it is over one of these it will be field fabricated.
Keywords: field fabricated, field, agitated tank, agitated, vessel, setting
References: None
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Problem Statement: What installation procedures are used for different insulation options?
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Solution: Sometimes, if two or more insulation types are applicable then maybe the cost of installation will be a factor in determining which insulation to use. For this, it may be useful to know the installation method.
The types of insulation are the standard insulation forms.
· Mineral wool would be a blanket, field cut to fit the pipe or surface.
· Calcium Silicate or Fiberglass types would be blocks for tank insulation and pre-formed half sections to fit the various pipe diameters.
The jacket is applied separately in all cases. There are no pre-molded insulation modules with jackets pre-applied. The jacket is applied manually in the field.
Keywords: insulation method
Â
References: None
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Problem Statement: I have selected spare (SPAR) installation option, which states I should get reduced installation bulk costs.
However, once I run the economic evaluation, the direct cost of my equipment does not change. Why is this?
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Solution: This usually happens when the Load Default Volumetric Model or P&ID has been selected for a piece of equipment. The volumetric model overrides the system generated calculation for bulks quantities in Pipe and Instrumentation.
A spare component should have less bulk quantities for piping and instrumentation, however, the default volumetric model considers all equipment to be standard installation. If you have selected it before you choose spare installation, the loaded values will not be updated by the volumetric model.
If you want to be able to see changes in the direct cost of an item given the installation option you will have to unload the volumetric model.
Keywords: Volumetric model, Installation option, direct cost, spare.
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the approach used for the design of Modules?
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Solution: The steel module floor beams and girders are designed based on the calculated effective distributed load per level (from equipment and bulk item weights) combined with the distributed live load per level as specified on the modular area form. The columns and lateral bracing are then designed to support the accumulated floor loads and lateral loads from wind, earthquakes (seismic), and shipping accelerations. The vertical shipping acceleration is used as a multiplier to increase the total distributed load per level for module steel design.
Keywords: modules, module, design, module design
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why do I get different pipe quantities and material costs depending on the unit of measure I am using inside Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?
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Solution: The calculated size for pipes will vary with the selected unit system because the way the system sizes piping is inherently different with each unit system.
For example, if we compare a pipe with the same length and diameter, 300 feet (91.4 meters) and 2.5 inches (63.5 millimeters), we will notice differences in the way the diameter is being taken into account.
In the Inch-Pound units with a diameter of 2.5 inches, we will have an equivalent size of 63.5 MM. However, this is not the size the system takes to size the piping; the system will take a slightly bigger diameter because the standard diameter available on the market would be 65 MM and not 63.5.
Given the difference in diameter, we will have a slightly bigger material quantity. A bigger diameter accounts for more weight in the final spool of piping.
If we account for the man-hours needed to install the straight pipe run, we have the same value for both cases, Inch-Pound and Metric, however, there is a difference in total material cost.
Looking a little further, the paint quantity required for each scenario is different and again is less for the Inch-Pound unit system, resulting in higher costs in material quantity of painting for the Metric system. While in one case we need to paint an area of 300 square feet, for the metric we need an area of 27.9 square meters (300.3 square feet) A bigger area requires more paint material and more man-hours to paint it.
Last but not least, the weld count in each system is different as explained in the linkedSolution, which also causes different costs in the final evaluation.
Due to all of this, whenever we evaluate two seemingly equal pipes with two different unit systems, we will get different prices.
Notes: All user-provided numeric values for dimensions, sizes, extents, intensities, flows, etc., are considered by the system to conform to those units of measure selected and/or defined by the user. It is the user’s responsibility to remain aware of the units of measure so selected throughout the entire exercise of preparing project data for the system. The user is cautioned that variable redefinition from system base to a user unit of measure could have unpredictable downstream effects, for example, in selection of plates, wire, tubing, pipe, etc. Further, the user is cautioned that each base set of units, I-P and METRIC, has its own special set of default values; the pair of default values are not necessarily related to one another by usual conversion relationships; each is established by itself as a reasonable value in the base unit of measure.
Keywords: metric, pipe, quantities
References: None
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Problem Statement: I am having problem opening a project when I click on the project to open it from the Project Palette tab, I get an hourglass, and after a minute or so, the hourglass disappears, and the project does not open.
Why can't I open my project?
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Solution: This typically happens when a user changes or modifies the default project location in the Preferences - Locations tab to a network drive or to another directory, but did not point to the correct folder for the Aspen Icarus software to understand the location.
For versions 2006.0 and earlier:
The default Aspen Icarus software?s project and scenario folder structure is:
'C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus xx.x\Data\Archives_XXX\ProjectName\ScenarioName'
For versions 2006.5 and later:
The default Aspen Icarus software?s project and scenario folder structure is:
'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\AspenTech\Shared Aspen Icarus 2006.5 Files\Archives_XXX\ProjectName\ScenarioName'
For example, if using a default path for v2006 and earlier, one can see in the Tools - Options - Preferences - Locations tab, that the default project directory path that we specify is C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus xx.x\Data\Archives_XXX?.
Here is an example of what the Preferences locations tab looks like...please note that this is only an example, and that the D: drive is specific to this user's installation:
The directory structure that Aspen Icarus uses is:
1. One folder created for the specified project name.
2. A sub-folder created under the project folder for the scenario name. In this sub-folder (scenario folder), is where the actual project is stored.
For example:
The user's projects are stored on the G drive (network drive) under MyDocs.
The folder structure is:
G:\MyDocs\MyProjects\ProjectName\ScenarioName
Then:
The project directory path to specify is: G:\MyDocs\MyProjects
The user can add new alternate project directory locations in the Tools - Options - Preferences - Locations tab.
In the Alternate Project Directories box, click ADD and browse to the folder which contain the ProjectName Folder.
Make sure to not specify the path into the ProjectName folder, as this will cause the project to not open.
Keywords: set up, folder, project
References: None
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Problem Statement: Can you run an updated version of Aspen DMCplus, say 2006.5 with a version 2006 Production Control Web Server (PCWS)?
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Solution: The answer to this is no. The first upgrade of software should always be to the Production Control Web Server. The PCWS is typically developed to be able to accommodate previous versions of the DMCplus application and AspenWatch. It is not possible to use an older version of the PCWS with a newer version of a viewed application.
Regarding AspenWatch, AspenWatch is capable of viewing older version of DMCplus controllers as well as a version that matches the AspenWatch version. The AspenWatch should match or be older than the PCWS.
Aspen IQ has been visible from the PCWS since version 2006.5 and the same applies for this application.
Aspen SmartStep follows the same rules of compatibility, however, since version 2006.5 it is now part of DMCplus and follows the same compatibility as DMCplus since version 2006.5.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Sometimes your operating system may not register all the necessary DLL and OCX files so that you can run the Aspen Kbase P&ID Editor correctly, and you may see this error message:
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Solution: Attached is a batch file to register the DLL and OCX files associated with running the Kbase P&ID editor. You can run this batch file, or you can follow the below steps to register the necessary DLL and OCX files on your PC so that the P&ID editor will run correctly.
****NOTE: Please be advised that the batch file attached reflects the default installation folder for the Aspen Kbase software (C:\ drive). If your Aspen Kbase installation is located on another drive letter OTHER than the C:\ drive, please modify the batch file to reflect the correct drive letter.****
1.) Dlls in the \Program Files\AspenTech\RADPFS 2006\bin folder:
AESXML2Aosa_20_0.dll
aesxmldom_20_0.dll
pfsctrl-dom200.ocx
pfsicon-rad200.ocx
pfsportmenu200.ocx
pfssymbols200.ocx
radicon200.dll
radmacro200.dll
radpfs200.dll
radpfsRO200.dll
radpfsWrap200.dll
In a command prompt, change directories to \Program Files\AspenTech\RADPFS 2006\bin. Then copy and paste this into the command prompt window and hit the enter button:
regsvr32 AESXML2Aosa_20_0.dll aesxmldom_20_0.dll pfsctrl-dom200.ocx pfsicon-rad200.ocx pfsportmenu200.ocx pfssymbols200.ocx radicon200.dll radmacro200.dll radpfs200.dll radpfsRO200.dll radpfsWrap200.dll
2.) Dlls in the c:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Rad2d\bin folder:
AddInMgr.dll
jEditDlg.dll
jEditSym.dll
RADRedir.dll
In a command prompt, change directories to c:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Rad2d\bin. Then copy and paste this into the command prompt window and hit the enter button:
regsvr32 AddInMgr.dll jEditDlg.dll jEditSym.dll RADRedir.dll
3.) Dlls in the c:\Program Files\Common Files\Intergraph\rad folder:
Mdlnstrg.ocx
ModBag.ocx
ModDep.ocx
I2DCmCtl.ocx
I2DCMsCtl.ocx
I2MnuCtl.ocx
Jcntrls35.ocx
stylebar35.ocx
sptools1.dll
In a command prompt, change directories to \Program Files\Common Files\Intergraph\rad. Then copy and paste this into the command prompt window and hit the enter button:
regsvr32 Mdlnstrg.ocx ModBag.ocx ModDep.ocx I2DCmCtl.ocx I2DMsCtl.ocx I2MnuCtl.ocx Jcntrls35.ocx stylebar35.ocx sptools1.dll
4.) Dlls in the x:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus 2006\Program\Sys folder (where you have 2006 installed).
icPID.dll
In a command prompt, change directories to x:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus 2006\Program\Sys. Then copy and paste this into the command prompt window and hit the enter button:
regsvr32 icPID.dll
After you register these files, and to test to make sure that the P&ID editor is installed correctly, please open Windows Explorer to:
\Program Files\AspenTech\RadPFS 2006\bin and double-click on radpfs200.exe.
You should not receive any error messages.
Keywords: P&ID, editor, draft.exe, PID, pid, bitmap, graphical, bmp, draft
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I tell what version of Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) my project was created in?
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Solution: You can go to Project Basis View | Project Properties and it will have the version of ACCE that your project was created in
Keywords: created, version, create, first
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I import and export .INI settings into the new .INI configuration utility in V7.3?
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Solution: To import and export INI setting to/from the Configuration Utility dialogbox:
Open the Configuration Utility dialog box from Utilities | Settings on the main Aspen Fleet Optimizer dialog box. Select File | Import/Export from the Configuration Utility menu. Choose the file you want to import or select a location to save the exported settings, and click OK to start the import/export. The values in the imported file(s) will replace those in the current configuration.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does the setting LoadConfirmbyCompartmentWarningPercentage do?
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Solution: This percentage is a deviation tolerance between the compartment's load confirm quantities and the planned deliveries (order quantity). If a confirmed quantity exceeds the tolerance a warning is issued; if a confirmed quantity is within tolerance, no warning is issued.
These warnings are written to the Warning Manager and would display the following message:
'LOAD / DELIVERY CONFIRMATION: COMPARTMENT QUANTITIES NOT IN RANGE'
Keywords: Warning Manager, Loadconfirmbycompartment
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I change the URL for the shortcut in Start Menu for Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS)?
A laptop recently had a change to the machine name.
When the Production Control Web Server is selected from the Start Menu, he gets the message, page not found.
The URL is still showing as the old machine name.
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Solution: To resolve this issue, go to C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\ACOView and right-click on Production Control Home Page.url to select Properties from the context menu.
Edited the URL in the URL tab to reflect the new machine name.
After saving it, click on Production Control Web Server from Start Menu to confirm proper redirection.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How many Construction Workforces can be used in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?
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Solution: You can have up to 99 different Construction Workforces in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator.
Keywords: Workforces, maximum, limit
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is there a way to generate a message with the PCWS that will let you know that you are approaching your limit of sessions?
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Solution: This is not a configurable feature within the Production Control Web Server. What is widely documented is how to use Perfmon counters and alerts in Windows to trigger an event or run a program. A simple Google search of perfmon alerts will provide numerous articles of reference.
In short you can use Perfmon (Administrative Tools -> Performance) to add an Alert based on the Active Server pages performance object's Sessions Current counter. The event can be made to log an event log message or to activate a program or batch file.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: I have several components in my estimate, however they have discontinuous item numbers and whenever I enter a new component; the number just increases and does not fill in the missing item number.
How can I rearrange the Item numbers in correct sequence?
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Solution: The way you can rearrange the number listing is via Run | Re-number | Project Components. This will automatically re-number the components in a correct ascendant order.
Keywords: Re-number items, Project components, reference number
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the credit hold box in customer set up used for?
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Solution: If checked, no orders for this customer will appear in the optimization. It is all or nothing with this box checked. Individual orders may be released by going into the replenishment planner for the customer, opening the order in question and removing the check mark in the box labeled ?Credit Hold?.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to place a Manual Order Entry order within Resource Scheduling Optimization.
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Solution: Order Entry within Resource Scheduling Optimization
Aspen Retail allows the user to quickly enter a new order entry shipment from within the Resource Scheduling Optimization Window when an order entry customer places a last minute manual shipment. Click on the 'New Order' button in the Resource Scheduling Optimization toolbar. The list of available order entry customers will appear. Select the number the user want from the order entry customer list by clicking on it. The Order Entry Window will appear for that customer.When the user create an order entry from the Resource Scheduling Optimization Window, the delivery date and shift of the order entry window will always default to date of the shift the user are optimizing. The default retain and runout point for the shipment will coincide with the terminal the user is optimizing and the night shift beginning and ending shift times. If the customer is requesting the delivery for a specific time, the user could alter the retain and runout times to match the requested delivery window. Enter the customer shipment quantities for each product. In the bottom left corner of the order entry window, the user can identify whether the customer shipment is using a full or partial transport. A full transport shipment is a shipment whose quantities match the maximum carrying capacity of a transport. A partial transport shipment is a shipment whose quantity is less than the full carrying capacity of a transport. If a shipment is flagged as a partial transport load, and the customer is part of a cluster, then the Resource Scheduling Optimization will automatically try to find a partner for the partial shipment and create a split shipment. At the top right corner of this window, the user can easily match the quantities of the new shipment to the compartments of the transport it is assigned to. This can be done during the Optimization process by using the match transport check box. If match transport is not selected, the customer shipment will be assigned to a transport with the shipment quantities previously entered. If there were any purchase order numbers or special comments for the customer's shipment, they can be entered into the 'PO Num.' or 'Comments' field. Click 'Ok' to save the shipment entries. The customer's shipment will now be displayed in the available shipments list within the Resource Scheduling Optimization.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I set up security access for the different roles in Aspen Fleet Optimizer for V7.3?
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Solution: To customize security privileges for Aspen Fleet Optimizer roles, run the Fleet Optimizer security utility by selecting Utilities | Security Utility from the Aspen Fleet Optimizer tool bar. This will allow you to customize which screens each role with have read access and which screens they will have read and write access.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: What could cause the Insert feature in the COA Allocation to fail?
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Solution: If you select the entire row and then do insert, it does not work:
z
However if you just select one cell in the row (e.g. the From Icarus COA cell) and then click insert, a row gets inserted above the row in which you selected the cell. After you select the cell, then if you select the entire row and then click Insert, it works in that case also.
Keywords: COA Allocation, Insert
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is there a way I can create a backup of the project I’m working on?
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Solution: Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) automatically saves a backup of all the projects in the following local directory:
C:\Users\your-user-name\AppData\Local\AspenTech\EconomicEvaluation V8.X\Backup
Once in the Backup folder, you will find the Projects folder, which will contain all your saved project scenarios.
If you want to modify the frequency in which the backup is created, you can modify the setting in Tools | Options | Preferences | Backup/Recovery.
In this section, you can set the time interval in which the backup will be saved, as well as the interval in which a recovery file will be saved.
Keywords: Backup, path, directory.
References: None
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Problem Statement: I can not find the Alloy 20 specification for my plate material type; what should I use instead?
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Solution: Alloy 20 is also know as C20. If you check for plate materials, you will find C20 ( 35Ni-35Fe-20Cr-Cb).
Keywords: Alloy 20, C20, plate materials, plate, materials
References: None
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Problem Statement: Aspen Capital Cost Estimator only allows stacking two truckable submodules in a modular area. How can I stack more than that?
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Solution: It is important to point out that the limit in the number of stacked submodules has been established to avoid structural instability. One potential problem of stacking 4 small footprint truckable modules too high would be overall structural stability and possible excessive horizontal deflections at the upper floors.This may not be the case if they are braced. Also, there are practical highway limitations, such as traveling under an overpass.
That being said, if a double stack of the truckable modules would meet the dimensional requirements of a single truckable module, then we suggest that the user stack two truckable modules where each truckable module represents two of the actual submodules.
If a double stack of the truckable module would exceed the dimensional requirements of a single truckable module, then we suggest that the user stack two bargeable modules where each bargeable module represents two of the users actual modules.
These suggested configurations will accurately account for the additional structural steel necessary to support the stacked module loads, and also accurately account for the bracing requirements due to lateral load (i.e. wind and seismic).
Keywords: Modular, TRUCK, BARGE, Area, brace
References: None
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Problem Statement: My piping bulks are not being resized when changing the capacity of my equipment once I have loaded the volumetric model.
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Solution: The volumetric model overrides system generated calculation for bulks, to the ones entered for this particular item. Even if the values specified in the Pipe Item – Details were originally system generated, once the volumetric model is loaded, the system will consider this values as user entered and will take them as the true values for the equipment.
Given this, we recommend to load the volumetric model only when the actual values of the bulks associated to this equipment are known and we are able to define and enter them manually.
To avoid this issues, unload the volumetric model and it should now resize your equipment as well as its bulks.
Keywords: Volumetric model, bulk size, direct cost.
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where can I find documentation on how Decision Analyzer works and how to use it?
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Solution: The Decision Analyzer documentation is found in the Changing Plant Capacity and Location sections of the Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) and Aspen Process Economic Analyzer (APEA) User Guides. In ACCE this is Chapter 8 and in APEA this is Chapter 9.
Keywords: Decision Analyzer, User Guide
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where does the Reported Inventory come from and what is it used for in Data Quality Manager?
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Solution: The Reported Inventory figure is the value that is reported by the Customer (or calculated from Reported Sales in Sales Only mode) once the Done for the Day process has been run. This figure is the Inventory figure used to calculate the daily sales reconciliation.
For Customers reporting both Sales and Inventory figures, this value will be compared from both a % and volume difference to the Expected Inventory. Any variation will be compared to the Thresholds configured in Product Setup and if both the % and the volume amount are outside the Threshold for this product, they will constitute an Exception that the dispatcher is expected to reconcile.
Keywords: Reported Inventory, DQM
References: None
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Problem Statement: MV Transform ECE basis : XFRMECEM is shown for MV without Xfrom but not shown for MV with Xform in its detail display on PCWS.
CV Transform ECE basis : XFRMECEE is shown for CV without Xfrom but not shown for CV with Xform in its detail display on PCWS.
Above problem happens with following pairs.
PCWS Ver. 2006.5 + DMCplus Online 2006.0
PCWS ver. 2006.0 + DMCplus Online 2006.0
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Solution: To work around the problem, following steps should be done.
1. Edit the 2006.0 DMCplus Online entrydata.xml file (located in \Program Files\AspenTech\AC Online\cfg). Carefully change the entry mask attributes for the following entries:
XFRMECEC mask=196
XFRMECEM mask=194
2. Reload all controllers
3. Now the XFRMECEC and XFRMECEM entries will no longer show up in the detail page as user-defined entries.
4. XFRMECEC and XFRMECEM are not shown on detail pages by default. You can modify the Independent and Dependent Detail column sets from the PCWS Configuration tab (DMCplus Column Sets) to include these entries. Once added, they will appear as CV ECE Basis and MV ECE Basis (respectively).
Keywords: XFRMECEC
XFRMECEM
CV ECE Basis
MV ECE Basis
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I configure Dais Trader communication crossing a firewall to establish communication between Aspen DMCPlus and Aspen Production Control Web Server through a firewall?
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Solution: The Protocol use in the Trader Configuration should be TCP if you are crossing a firewall. IIOP cannot reliably traverse firewalls.
Also see:Solution 123707 - Commonly used Firewall ports for APC Applications
Keywords: Firewall
TCP
IIOP
Dais
Trader
References: None
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Problem Statement: Warning message when evaluating project:: PROJ BASIS:INSUL SPECS with mineral wool selected on Insulation Project Level Spec.
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Solution: The reason of this warning is because the mineral wool won't apply for temperatures that are lower than 51 Deg F (and the system will use Foam glass insulation instead when reaching this limit), please review the following table so you can know the temperature ranges for each Insulation spec:
Keywords: Mineral Wool, Insulation, Project Level, Specs, ACCE
References: None
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Problem Statement: Use of NT Integrated authentication causing, page cannot be displayed, and DNS error.
Use of Anonymous authentication allow access to the web page.
|
Solution: A number ofSolutions on the web (Google Search: DNS Error with Integrated Authentication) mentioned checking the Enable HTTP Keep-Alives option on the Default Web site Properties page in Internet Information Manager.
There is also a Microsoft tool which may help find the problem:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e90fe777-4a21-4
066-bd22-b931f7572e9a&displaylang=en
Keywords: dnserror, integrated, anonymous, pcws, web server
References: None
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Problem Statement: What are the structure tags for modules?
|
Solution: Structure tags for modules are only supported for Truckable and Bargeable Modules.
Truckable Module - TRMD-x
Bargeable Module - TRMD-x
where x would be a value like 1, 2, 3, etc
Keywords: Module, modules, Truckeable, Bargeable, Skid, structure, tag, structure tag
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is it possible to split the different Engineering Workforce Phases over more than one contractor without having to specify all phases?
|
Solution: There is one little known item that users can use in the Engineering Workforce section that users may or may not know about (or have forgotten about).
1. Conset #1:
You have correctly specified Installation for contractors 11, 12 and 13. Those are the contractors that will be performing the Installation work.
2. Your Equipment Workforce #4 (EWF #4) is set to Home Office, and your Equipment Workforce #5 (EWF #5) is set to Field Supervision.
But, you wish to have both EWF 4 and EWF 5 linked to Contractors 11, 12 & 13. But, you cannot link 2 EWFs to a contractor.
BUT, you CAN specify that you want one EWF to have multiple disciplines, especially if you don't want that EWF to include All Phases (as specified by the ** specification).
What you need to do, is ADD another 2 columns to the Engineering - By Phase menu - Columns 9 and 10:
Specify Item 9 as an additional Phase for EWF #4 - see how I added another specification EWF #4, and specified it as Field Office Supervision?
Then, specify Item 10 as an additional Phase for EWF #5, see how I added another specification for EWF #5 and specified it as Home Office?
Using the same Engineering Workforce number is 100% allowed to be done.
Once you add those additional items to the Engineering Workforce - By Phase menu, THEN, you can link either EWF4 or EWF5 to Contractors 11, 12 & 13, to get the results that you want.
Keywords: engineering, workforce, phase
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to modify Remote Pipe Shop Labor Rate and Productivity in General Piping Specs?
|
Solution: Starting in V8.8.2, the General Piping Specs form lets you adjust the remote pipe shop fabrication costs using two new fields; Remote Shop Wage Rate and Remote Shop Productivity. The remote shop productivity is a percentage of the base. The default value is ‘100’ representing system base productivity, which varies by country base.
The Remote Shop Wage Rate field is the all-in (i.e. including indirects) wage rate for all crafts.
Note- The two fields can be specified independently of one other. These fields are not applicable to module areas - in module areas the remote shop fabrication activities are reported as man-hours and labor costs instead of a lump sum remote shop fabrication cost. Adjust the remote shop productivity and wage rates for modules using the construction workforces and craft rates associated with the module contractors.
Keywords: Remote Fabrication, Remote Labor Rate, Remote shop Productivity, General Pipe Specs.
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why would my equipment cost change when I specify M (suppress default equipment/area/project bulks) in the General Project Data in Aspen Kbase?
|
Solution: When a material escalation or base indices specification in the project basis is entered, it will affect equipment costs.
However, when the M option is selected in Aspen Kbase, Escalation will be ignored.
***Note***: For IPM version 2006.5 Escalation will be added to the Project Basis, so when the M option is selected in Aspen Kbase, Escalation will not be excluded from the suppression of the default equipment/area/project bulks.
Keywords: M, suppress, bulks, escalation, indices
References: None
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Problem Statement: What does separate diesel do in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
|
Solution: The separate diesel flag in AFO allows the system to generate two separate order numbers for loads which contain both gas and diesel products. This functionality will not insure that gas and diesel are shipped on separate loads. This functionality creates a second order number in unique number two for the diesel load. This should be used when gas and diesel need separate loading invoices. This functionality only works for forecasted accounts and does not work for manual accounts.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When should I run the Done for the Day service in Aspen Fleet Optimizer?
|
Solution: To avoid concurrency issues, the DoneForDay Service should only be run after you have completed all work for the day and have closed all Fleet Optimizer applications such as, Replenishment Planner, Resource Scheduling Optimizer (RSO), and so forth. It is designed to run every night, although it can be configured to run at regularly-scheduled intervals. This Service is also accessible from the Fleet Optimizer Inventory menu. Disable access to the DoneForDay Service from the Inventory menu by changing the setting DoneForTheDay to 0 using the INI Configuration Utility.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: I am getting the following error, ERROR> 'CD - 3' MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS NOT ALLOWED FOR PRIME CONTRACTOR RUN.; what do I need to do to correct it?
|
Solution: This error is occurring because you have multiple Contractors in your project and have also chosen in Project Basis View | General Project Data to Suppress default equipment/area/project bulks (ie a value of M). In other words, treat the Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) project as an Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator project (AIPCE). AIPCE only allows one Contractor. You can fix this by either removing the M setting, or removing the additional Contractors so you only have one Contractor in the project.
Keywords: Contractors, Contractor, Multiple Contractors, Multiple, Suppress, Error
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do I obtain the number of stages in a compressor block when they are not included in the design report?
|
Solution: In V8.6 and previous the number of stages is obtained by dividing the number of nozzles (included in the design report) by two. In releases after V8.6 this is a reported value in the design details.
Keywords: nozzle, stages, impeller
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is included in Scaffolding rental costs?
|
Solution: Scaffolding is entered for each contractor on the Contractor form as either a percent of DFL (Direct Field Labor) or an actual cost amount. This is the total indirect cost of the scaffolding, which would include erection and dismantling.
Â
There is also the ability to enter scaffolding as a direct cost. This is done through the Pallette at:
Plant Bulks | Civil | Scaffold erection and dismantling
This approach will give you the manhours for the erection and dismantling reported as a direct cost via COA 405.
Keywords: Scaffolding, rental, direct, manhours
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is it possible to use custom colors in the Production Control Web Server (PCWS) detail plots? (Not History Plots, Not High Performance Trends)
|
Solution: If you do not want to use the default colors; it is possible to add custom colors and use them. You will need to manually add the colors on the plot settings xml files - plot-settings-dark.xml and plot-settings-light.xml. (Found in C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Web Server\Config\)
The only restriction for the color names is to avoid using spaces, underscores, hyphens or any special character (!”#$%&/()=?¡_- ). Just keep it simple and short. Use the RGB color code in the color declaration.
For instance, if one would like to create a new color Tulip rose (RGB code: 222, 111, 161), you may create it as “tuliprose” or just “tulip” in an extra line in the colors code declaration section. See example below:
<plot-settings>
<colors>
<color name=orange value=rgb:255,165,0/>
<color name=red value=rgb:255,0,0/>
<color name=tomato value=rgb:255,99,71/>
<color name=pink value=rgb:255,192,203/>
<color name=tulip value=rgb:222,111,161/>
</colors>
After the custom color is added in the color declaration section, it will be available to use for any plot in PCWS.Solution 139805 addresses how to change the detail plots colors.
Changes take effect when logging on to a new session, so there is no need to restart the service to see the change.
Keywords: Production Control Web Server
APC Web Interface
Detail plots
Custom colors
References: None
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Problem Statement: What are the differences between Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator (AIPCE) and Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE)?
|
Solution: The following tables list out the differences between Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator (AIPCE) and Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE).
Equipment & Bulks
Feature
AIPCE
 ACCE
Equipment Design & Pricing
By System
By System
Equipment Setting
By System
By System
Foundation
Toggle
Designed by system
Fireproofing
Toggle
Designed by system
Insulation (component)
Toggle
Volumetric Model
Paint (component)
Toggle
Volumetric Model
Electrical
Manual
Volumetric Model
Piping
Detailed T/O
Volumetric Model
Instruments
Detailed T/O
Volumetric Model
Detailed Unit EstimationÂ
None
Included
Area
Feature
AIPCE
ACCE
Number of Areas
Multiple
Multiple
Number of Area types
Two
Seven
GRADE
GRADE
EXOPEN
PAD
FLOOR
OPEN (Structure)
 Â
EXOPEN
 Â
MILBLD
BLDG
Area Specifications
L & W
Multiple
Equipment
Override Project Bulks
Indexing
Contracting
Feature
AIPCE
ACCE
Number of Contractors
One
Multiple
Workforce
One
Multiple
Subcontract Structure
None
Included
User External Files
Same
Same
System and Reports
Feature
AIPCE
ACCE
Process Control System
Manual
Automatic Generation
Power Distribution
Manual
Automatic Generation
Reports
Same Format
Same Format
Plant Scaling       Â
Not Available
Included
Keywords: Feature difference, In-Plant Cost Estimator, ACCE
References: None
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Problem Statement: I want to put a control valve with block and bypass on my piping line, but I keep getting error messages:
CONTROL VALVE LOCATION NOT SPECIFIED. CONTROL VALVE IGNORED
and BLOCK AND BYPASS CAN NOT BE SPECIFIED WITH VALVE LOCATION 0
What is the right way to specify a control valve with block and bypass configuration so that there are no errors?
|
Solution: Many users confuse the use of Plant Bulk Pipe - Above Ground or Buried Pipe with an installation piping line. Plant bulk pipe is considered to be a project component, and not like installation pipe.
Installation piping lines are lines of pipe that come off of a project component, such as a Pump or Heat Exchanger.
All block and bypass configurations have to be tied to an installation piping line.
Specifying a control valve only
If specifying a control value only, one uses the Option - Instrumentation form from the component specs form.
It is required to specify the loop number, loop description, Instrument process variable and instrument sensor type.
You don't have to specify a piping line location for your control valve, if it is not deemed necessary. If you don't need your control valve on a piping line, just specify 0 for the Control Valve Location....this will place the control valve directly on the component item itself.
If you need to place the control valve on an installation piping line, it is required to:
1. Specify an Installation Piping line on the component under Options - Pipe Item Details. Enter in the line number, line description, line diameter, and line length.
If you have done so already, make a note of the piping line number that you want to use for the Control Valve Location.
2. Specify a piping line number for the Control Valve Location on the Instrumentation form.
Specifying a control valve with Block and Bypass Configuration
When specifying a control value with Block and Bypass Configuration, one uses the Instrumentation form under the Options menu on the component specs form in conjunction with the Pipe Item Details form.
1. Specify an Installation Piping line on the component under Options - Pipe Item Details. Enter in the line number, line description, line diameter, and line length.
If you have done so already, make a note of the piping line number that you want to use for the Control Valve Location.
2. Specify a piping line number for the Control Valve Location on the Instrumentation form.
3. Specify a 'B' for the Block and bypass option.
Keywords: control valve, control valve location, block and bypass
References: None
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Problem Statement: When running my estimate, I get these Errors and a Fatal error:
Project Level Messages
ERROR> 'W1 - 1' CWF INPUT IS NOT ALLOWED FOR PRIME CONTRACTOR RUN
ERROR> 'W1 - 2' GENERAL WORKFORCE DATA PREVIOUSLY ENTERED
ERROR> 'W1 - 2' CWF INPUT IS NOT ALLOWED FOR PRIME CONTRACTOR RUN
FATAL> 'W1 - 2' WORKFORCE DATA ERRORS PREVENT PREPARATION OF PROJ ESTIMATE
What do I do to fix this problem, and what do the errors mean?
|
Solution: The first indicator of the problem is the CWF notation. This stands for Construction Workforce. If your error refers to EWF, that stands for Engineering Workforce.
The main reason for these errors are that the links from the Contractors to the Workforces are not all linked.
If your error refers to CWF, the first thing to do, is double check to make sure that all your Contractors are linked to your Construction Workforce(s). If they are not all linked, link them and re-run the estimate.
If your error refers to EWF, then double check to make sure that all your Contractors are linked to your Engineering Workforce(s). If they are not all linked, link them and re-run the estimate.
Making sure that all links are made should fix the problem.
If not, please send an e-mail to [email protected], indicate what version of Aspen Kbase you are using, and attach your project file to the e-mail for support to look at.
Keywords: workforce, data errors, preparation, estimate, fatal, error, errors, CWF, EWF
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why would I see different quantities and manhours for an Open Steel Structure between the Item Report and Project Report?
|
Solution: The results will be different between the component run and the project level run for the Open Steel Structure.
This will happen when you have equipment items tagged to the Open Steel Structure.
How can you tell if you have equipment items tagged to an Open Steel Structure?
This all works off of the User tag that is entered on the Open Steel Structure item.
When you define a User tag on an Open Steel Structure, its the user's intention that there are particular equipment items that you want tagged to that particular open steel structure.
Tagging an item to a particular open steel structure requires the user to input the Open Steel Structure's User tag number into the equipment item(s) Structure tag field.
So, when you have equipment items that are tagged to that Open Steel Structure, those equipment items will have that same User tag number as the Open Steel Structure.
When a component level run is performed on the Open Steel Structure, NONE of the tagged equipment items to the Open Steel structure will be accounted for, until a project level estimate is performed.
This is because the Icarus software designs the Open Steel Structure AFTER all the items in the project are designed during a project level run. Icarus remembers all the Structure tags for the Open Steel Structure, then designs the Open Steel Structure based on all the equipment items tagged to it, and this can only be done after all the tagged equipment items are designed first.
Keywords: steel structure, cost different, manhours different, difference in cost, user tag, structure tag
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What are Multi-stream, plate fin heat exchangers, and how we can add them to an estimate?
|
Solution: Multi-stream, plate fin heat exchangers are commonly used in LNG processing, air separation, and HyCO (Syngas) facilities. Typically, the plate fin exchangers used in these services are brazed aluminum heat exchangers. A new model to design and estimate plate-fin heat exchangers was added in V8.7.1. It can be found in the components palette under:
Process equipment | Heat exchangers, heaters | Heat exchanger | Multi-stream plate-fin heat exchanger
You can specify up to 6 different, connected streams and up to 6 different fin layer types in the new model.
Only the internal P&ID/volumetric model was developed for this model. There is no default external P&ID or volumetric model. The internal P&ID depends on the number of connected process streams. A new equipment code of account – 267 ‘PLATE FIN EXCHANGERS’, was added for this model. See the Heat Exchangers (HE) - PLATE FIN help topic or the Icarus
Keywords: -
Multi-stream Plate Fin Heat Exchanger, Heat Exchanger, New Process Equipment, Fin
References: Guide for further details about the new model.
|
Problem Statement: Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) pipeline project does not allow you to add more than 1 Construction Work Force (CWF). The following is the error message.
|
Solution: ACCE pipeline project cannot have more than 1 Contractor. This is a limitation within ACCE.
Keywords: ACCE, pipeline, project
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is the maximum number of report groups and areas in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?
|
Solution: You can have 90 Report Groups and 300 Areas in the Aspen Capital Cost Estimator.
Keywords: Report Group, Area, Report, Group
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How can I tell the version of Aspen Capital Cost Estimator that the project was created in?
|
Solution: You can tell the version of ACCE a project was created in by going to:
Project Basis View | Project Basis | Project Properties
In the middle screen (List View), second line, there will be an attribute named Created in Version....
Keywords: Created Version, Created
References: None
|
Problem Statement: I would like to specify the TEMA class (B – Chemical Service; C – General Service or R – Refinery Service) for the heat exchanger I’m trying to evaluate. Is there a way to do this? I can’t find a field to specify this.
|
Solution: Unfortunately, there is no direct way to specify this in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE). If you want to do a rigorous design and specification of your heat exchanger, you can click the Size button to open the interface with Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR), which will allow you to make a full mechanical design of the equipment.
To launch this interface, it’s necessary for the TEMA symbol and heat transfer area to be specified. This data can be modified later in the EDR interface.
Once launched, in the Application Options Folder, you are able to Specify the TEMA Class:
For the information of the design to be transferred back to ACCE, it is important that you run the EDR application (run button) and then close the interface.
Notes:
Transferring back the information from EDR to ACCE might take a few seconds, please be patient.
If you have only specified the TEMA symbol and heat transfer area, you will notice a lot of the other fields have been filled out from the information specified in EDR.
A clear way to notice if the design of the heat exchanger was made externally in EDR, is in the Heat exchanger design + cost tool field; a C will appear if the design data was taken from EDR.
Keywords: TEMA class, EDR, heat exchanger, rigorous design.
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Is there a report that gives the area dimensions (length, width, height) for my different area types (module, grade, etc.)?
|
Solution: Yes. Using the Interactive reporter, there is a Standard Report with the information:
Standard reports | Design and Basis Reports | Area | Design and Cost Basis
Keywords: module, grade, area, dimensions
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Licensing activities such as changing license server, reload licensing file, etc. may cause High Performance Trends (HPT) plots to produce the error Server is unable to acquire SLM_Infoplus21_Embedded license for AspenWatch Data.
|
Solution: Re-scanning the HPT search database for the IP.21 database will reacquire the proper key and HPT trend will start working after that. The procedure to re-scan the database is outlined below-
1. Open the Web Interface (PCWS), navigate to the Configuration tab and click on the HPT search configuration link
2. Make sure the right server is shown in the data source and click on the update button to re-scan the database. Depending on the size of the database, it may take between 20-30 minutes for the re-scan to finish the scanning process.
Keywords: HPT, AspeWatch, SLM_Infoplus21_Embedded
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When running my estimate, I notice this ERROR message in the message window:
ERROR> 'Q1 - 1' TWO STRUCTURES WITH THE SAME TAG NUMBER
What does this error mean, and how do I fix it?
|
Solution: The reason for the error message with the Open Steel Structure, is that you cannot have more than one Open Steel Structure with the same User Tag Number.
You can sort all your Open Steel Structures by clicking the 'Model' heading in the main window pane of your project.
Once you do that, you can then see the the User Tag Numbers in the main window pane listed next to each one of the Open Steel Structures.
If any of them have the same User Tag Number, you must change one or more of them to have unique User Tag Numbers.
Keywords: structure, tag, user tag, structures, Q1
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How can I find the equipment footprint in Aspen Capital Cost (ACCE)?
|
Solution: ACCE calculates the footprint of project components and those dimensions can be accessed. ThisSolutions illustrates how to do this using a compressor as an example. When we evaluate the compressor, under design data results, we will get a reference code for the frame size, but no further details. In order to see the compressor's footprint dimensions from the results coming out of the program’s engine, we need to set the “Print Equipment coordinates” to Y in the Equipment specs at the project level. Also, we need to run a full project evaluation to see the dimensions (the dimensions are not calculated for Item evaluations):
Go to the ProjectDir path (you can find it under preferences / locations / Other locations and copy the folder path) and open the access database file (password: icarus):
Open the B file:
For compressors we show 1 set of dimensions for the compressor and driver and do not break out the individual sizes of the compressor or driver. If we want only to see the compressor size and not the driver, we can run an evaluation with the Driver Type set to NONE.
Keywords: Equipment footprint, dimensions, compressor frame.
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Why does the primer coat of my tank show twice as much area to paint compared to my final coat of paint?
When I evaluate my storage tank component, the report shows different values for the area painted in the primer coat compared to the final coat of paint.
|
Solution: This is due to the way the system paints the equipment. For large storage tanks, it will take into account different sides:
· Preparation: Inside and Outside of the tank
· Primer Coat: Inside and Outside of the tank
· Final Coat: Outside only of the tank
Hence, the final area calculated to be painted for the primer coat will be twice as big compared to the final coat of paint.
In case you wanted to modify the total area that is getting painted for the primer coat to match the final coat’s area, follow the next steps:
1. Double click the component and go to the Options dropdown menu
2. Select Paint
3. In the Paint Options of the component fill the “Component paint area” with the value of the area previously calculated for the Final Coat of paint.
4. Estimate again, and this time the component's primer and final coat area should match.
Keywords: Paint, Tank, Primer coat, final coat.
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Why are there no results in my Excel Module Summary by Contractor report?
|
Solution: This typically occurs because the Module Contractor has not been given any responsibilities in the Module Conset. By default, the responsibilities go to Contractor 1 which is typically the Owner. Give the Module Contractor some Conset responsibilities, and then the cost for those responsibilities will appear in the Module Summary by Contractor report.
Take a project where you have two contractors, the Owner (1) and the Module Contractor (2). If you go to:'
Project Basis View | Scope
and edit the Conset it will usually initially look like this:
All Engineering, Purchasing of materials, and Installation costs are being done the Contractor 1, the Owner. Let's say you want the Module Contractor (Contractor 2) to have responsibility for the Purchasing of materials and the Installation, then you would make the following change:
Now if you Evaluate your project, and look at your Module Summary by Contractor report, you will see costs generated.
Keywords: Module, report, contractor
References: None
|
Problem Statement: I have selected spare (SPAR) installation option, which states I should get reduced installation bulk costs.
However, once I run the economic evaluation, the direct cost of my equipment does not change. Why is this?
|
Solution: This usually happens when the Load Default Volumetric Model or P&ID has been selected for a piece of equipment. The volumetric model overrides the system generated calculation for bulks quantities in Pipe and Instrumentation.
A spare component should have less bulk quantities for piping and instrumentation, however, the default volumetric model considers all equipment to be standard installation. If you have selected it before you choose spare installation, the loaded values will not be updated by the volumetric model.
If you want to be able to see changes in the direct cost of an item given the installation option you will have to unload the volumetric model.
Keywords: Volumetric model, Installation option, direct cost, spare.
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is the approach used for the design of Modules?
|
Solution: The steel module floor beams and girders are designed based on the calculated effective distributed load per level (from equipment and bulk item weights) combined with the distributed live load per level as specified on the modular area form. The columns and lateral bracing are then designed to support the accumulated floor loads and lateral loads from wind, earthquakes (seismic), and shipping accelerations. The vertical shipping acceleration is used as a multiplier to increase the total distributed load per level for module steel design.
Keywords: modules, module, design, module design
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why do I get different pipe quantities and material costs depending on the unit of measure I am using inside Aspen Capital Cost Estimator?
|
Solution: The calculated size for pipes will vary with the selected unit system because the way the system sizes piping is inherently different with each unit system.
For example, if we compare a pipe with the same length and diameter, 300 feet (91.4 meters) and 2.5 inches (63.5 millimeters), we will notice differences in the way the diameter is being taken into account.
In the Inch-Pound units with a diameter of 2.5 inches, we will have an equivalent size of 63.5 MM. However, this is not the size the system takes to size the piping; the system will take a slightly bigger diameter because the standard diameter available on the market would be 65 MM and not 63.5.
Given the difference in diameter, we will have a slightly bigger material quantity. A bigger diameter accounts for more weight in the final spool of piping.
If we account for the man-hours needed to install the straight pipe run, we have the same value for both cases, Inch-Pound and Metric, however, there is a difference in total material cost.
Looking a little further, the paint quantity required for each scenario is different and again is less for the Inch-Pound unit system, resulting in higher costs in material quantity of painting for the Metric system. While in one case we need to paint an area of 300 square feet, for the metric we need an area of 27.9 square meters (300.3 square feet) A bigger area requires more paint material and more man-hours to paint it.
Last but not least, the weld count in each system is different as explained in the linkedSolution, which also causes different costs in the final evaluation.
Due to all of this, whenever we evaluate two seemingly equal pipes with two different unit systems, we will get different prices.
Notes: All user-provided numeric values for dimensions, sizes, extents, intensities, flows, etc., are considered by the system to conform to those units of measure selected and/or defined by the user. It is the user’s responsibility to remain aware of the units of measure so selected throughout the entire exercise of preparing project data for the system. The user is cautioned that variable redefinition from system base to a user unit of measure could have unpredictable downstream effects, for example, in selection of plates, wire, tubing, pipe, etc. Further, the user is cautioned that each base set of units, I-P and METRIC, has its own special set of default values; the pair of default values are not necessarily related to one another by usual conversion relationships; each is established by itself as a reasonable value in the base unit of measure.
Keywords: metric, pipe, quantities
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Towards the end of my project level evaluation run, I get an error message that says:
Projsum.ics is not an ICS file.
When I click OK, the application crashes and closes out of my project. What causes this error message and how do I fix it?
|
Solution: The reason that this error message occurs is because the projsum.ics file has become corrupted.
The projsum.ics file contains the formulas for the Project Summary Data spreadsheet in both Aspen Kbase and Aspen Icarus Process Evaluator (IPE) and is necessary for calculations.
Fixing this problem is very simple!
Follow these steps:
1. Open the project.
2. Open Windows Explorer, and change directories to: x:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus x.x\ic_cache\Projects\projectname.
3. Delete the file called projsum.ics.
4. COPY a new projsum.ics file from the x:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus x.x\Data\Ics folder into the x:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus x.x\ic_cache\Projects\projectname folder.
5. Go back to the project in Kbase, and SAVE the file.
6. Then, run your estimate.
The error will not happen again, and the estimate will complete.
Keywords: ics, projsum.ics, projsum, crash
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How to import Economic Evaluation Files with an .izp extension?
|
Solution: In previous versions, if you had an Economic Evaluation project file with an .izp extension, to open the file, you first needed to manually copy it into the appropriate directory, and it was necessary that the directory name match the file name. Starting in V8.7.1, a new feature was added that allows you to directly import a file with an .izp extension from any location on your machine. To import an .izp file, click File | Open and click the Import izp button. The detailed procedure is following .
To import an Economic Evaluation project file (with an .izp extension) into ACCE:
1. Select File | Open.
2. On the Open existing project dialog box, click the Import IZP button.
The Import Project dialog box appears. By default, the Browse button is selected.
The Project Location drop-down list contains the default location, as well as alternate project directories specified by selecting Tools | Options | Preferences.
Â
3. Click the Browse button to navigate to the desired .izp file.
4. In the Project Name field, specify the project name. By default, the Scenario Name is the same as the name of the .izp file; however, you can change the name if desired.
Â
5. Click OK. The imported project appears in the list of projects.
Keywords: Â .izp extension, import file
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How do I customize Steel quantities?
|
Solution: There are several ways you can adjust the steel quantities:
1. If you has steel quantities calculated outside the program you can use the steel plant bulk items such as “miscellaneous steel items”, “steel ladders” etc. to specify exactly the quantities you want.
2. If you wants to use the plant bulks like open steel structure/steel pipe rack etc. then you can adjust the distributed load per level to adjust the quantity of steel estimated. You can adjust the equipment loaded on these structures by appropriately specifying the user tag/structure tag.
3. In the project basis level, the “Structural analysis type” and “Structural steel grade” inputs impact the quantity of steel estimated. The wind and seismic inputs may also have an impact on the steel quantities.
4. Specifically for towers, you can change the number of platforms and ladders to match their expectations.
5. For other equipment you can specify the steel bulks via the installation bulk addition form.
Keywords: Steel, custom, quantities.
References: None
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