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Problem Statement: How can I create the classic flowsheet in Aspen PIMS?
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Solution: The following steps can be used to create a flowsheet in Aspen PIMS:
1. Go to Model Settings | Reporting | Selection and check the FLO reporting option
2. Run the model and Go to Open Reports
3. Filter by .FLO file and open the necessary file
4. The user will now be able to access the flowsheet from PIMS
Keywords: Classic Flow-sheet
.FLO file
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How can we generate the Trancol and Range reports? How do we interpret the contents of those reports?
|
Solution: To generate the Trancol and Range reports, do the following:
1. Check the TRANCOL and RANGE boxes located in the Model Settings\General\Reporting tab.
2. Create some TRMASK and TCMASK rows in T.REPORT to apply row and column masking. Common masks are as follows: TCMASK: PURC***, SELL***, and CCAP*** TRMASK: PURC***, SELL***, and CCAP***
Note: PPIMS models require four asterisks to account for the period identifier. For example, CCAP*** would become CCAP****
The Help contains detail explanations for Trancol and Range reports.
1. Trancol (search for Trancol)
This report tells how the objective function and other rows change if the column is increased by one unit. A negative DJ means that an increase in the column activity will decrease the objective function. In other words, the price of the column activity must be lowered by the amount to break even.
Example:
COST
PURCANS
DJ
-1.085
PURCARL
18.00
1.000
For each additional barrel of crude ANS purchased, you have to reduce the purchase of crude ARL by one barrel (1.000), and the refinery will lose $1.085. Or the price of ANS must be lowered by $1.085 for ANS to be equivalent to ARL (at the current price of $18.00 per barrel).
2. Range Report (search for RHS Range Report)
This report tells that a change between the Lo.Rang and Up.Range will result in a change in the objective function by the amount of the Pi.Value per barrel. Negative values under Lo.Range means removal from the system and positive values under Up.Range means adding to the system. Negative value of Pi.Value (shadow price) indicates + incentive in increasing the quantity.
Example:
Between a Lo.Range of -20.197 and a Up.Range of + infinity, the objective function will change by -$23.982 for the removal of each barrel of JET or +$23.982 for the addition of each barrel of JET.
Note:
1. When Lo. Range = Up.Range, it means that any change in the activity (volume) will result in a different marginal value on the stream.
2. When Pi.Value = 0, it means that the marginal value will be zero as long as the activity is in between the Lo.Range and Up.Range.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes the versions of Windows and Microsoft Office that are supported by Aspen PIMS V7.
|
Solution: Aspen PIMS V7.3 supports Microsoft Office 2010.
Aspen PIMS V7.2 supports Microsoft Windows 7.
Aspen PIMS V7.1 supports Microsoft Office 2007, but there were some performance issues with Excel 2007. V7.2 improves performance with Excel 2007.
Users can also refer to 'Release of aspenONE Deployment Guide' that comes with product installation DVD.
Keywords: Compatibility, Windows 7, Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Vista, V7.2, V7.3
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do you manually terminate the recursion process on a model which has not converged?
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Solution: NOTE: This applies to Distributive Recursion models only. This is not applicable to models using PIMS Advanced Optimization.
You can hit ALT-I at anytime during the recursion process. Activating this process will result in Aspen PIMS asking Do you want another recursion pass?.
Selecting YES will tell Aspen PIMS to run one more recursion pass
Selecting NO will cause Aspen PIMS to terminate the recursion process and generate all of the reports / databases just as if the model had converged.
This feature can be extremely useful because it allows the user to view the reports to try and determine why the model is not converging or whether the non-converged variables where insignificant. If the user uses the Ctrl-C or Ctrl-Break keystrokes, the model will immediately stop solving and no reports will be generated.
Keywords: alt-i
recursion
terminate
References: None
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Problem Statement: Running loadrec using Remote Desktop Connection from a PC on the local network returns the error Database not running. Also, dumprec returns the message: GETDB: Infoplus.21 databse synchronistation object has not been created.
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Solution: Loadrec is an IP.21 utility to create new database records based on data contained in a text file. Dumprec works in reverse and dumps the contents of one or more records to a text file. Both of these utilities should always be run directly on the IP.21 server, and not via a Remote Desktop Connection.
Keywords: loadrec LOADREC
load rec
dumprec DUMPREC
dump rec
remote desktop connection
References: None
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Problem Statement: The DISABLE feature that was added in version 13 does a great job of removing unneeded streams from the model. It is extremely helpful for models that have a large number of unused feed and/or product streams. By activating this feature, PIMS will strip out all of the references to the stream in the appropriate tables. For example, if you disable a blend stream, it will remove the blend tag from BLENDS, BLNMIX, BLNSPEC, PGUESS, etc. This reduces the size and complexity of the model to be solved.
The problem arises when you disable an RFG stream because PIMS removes the stream entry from table PGUESS. When the model is done running and PIMS creates the !PGUESS file, the disabled stream is not in the file. If the user then attaches this !PGUESS file to the model and reintroduces the disabled stream, PIMS will generate an error because the RFG stream was not recursed.
|
Solution: In PIMS versions before 13.4, the onlySolution to the problem was to hand input the missing row(s) into PGUESS. Depending on the number of disabled streams, this can be time consuming.
In 13.4, PIMS is able to resolve multiple entries in table PGUESS by, by using the first value that it finds. PIMS starts at the top of the model tree and works its way down the list of PGUESS tables. This allows you to put a set of default values for the RFG streams into a partial PGUESS table and attach it to the model tree so that it is last on the list. If the updated !PGUESS file does not have one of the RFG blends, then PIMS can pick it up from the default table.
If you have any questions about thisSolution or any other issue, please contact PIMS support using the contact information that is located on the support website.
Keywords: rfg
carb
disable
pguess
!pguess
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where are the .ini files stored in Aspen Fleet Optimizer V7.3?
|
Solution: Parameters previously specified in the Customize.ini, Internal.ini, and Services.ini files are moved to tables within the Aspen Fleet Optimizer database in this release. An INI Configuration Utility is added to assist in managing the settings within the database. Refer to the Aspen Fleet Optimizer Administration Guide for more information on the INI Configuration Utility.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: CV Cost Factoris incorrectly limited to a positive number in the WebViewer - V7.2.
You can put a negative cost in the CCF and the controller will use it just fine. It's just that when you try to change the cost through the web server it gives you an error that the cost can't be less than zero.
This was a known bug in the 2006.5 version and was fixed in CP2.
Version 7.2 CP3 has the problem.
CQ00357314
CV Cost Factor is incorrectly limited to a positive number in WebViewer
|
Solution: It looks like it crept back into the WCF version.
The temporary workaround is to edit the dmcplus.product.config file (%ProgramData%\AspenTech\APC\Web Server\products\dmcplus\). Search for CVCST, then replace the line that says:
<minLimit value=float:0 />
?with:
<minLimit value=float:-9998 />
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why is Aspen IQ missing from the PCWS if it has the same name as a Process Controller?
|
Solution: The web server does not support duplicate application names. The Aspen Production Control Web Server will not display two applications from the same host that have the same name. You will need to rename one of the applications. The first application that loads will show up in the PCWS.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I allow for window navigation / pop-ups of the PCWS on the Gus station?
|
Solution: The windows policy configured on the Honeywell Gus stations prohibits pop-ups and the expected navigation of the Production Control Web Server. Correcting this issue requires the modification of the Windows Policies.
What may appear as pop-ups may really be another instance of the internet explorer.
Use a group policy to fix the problem:
User Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Windows Components/Internet Explorer/Browser menus >
Set Disable Open in New Window menu option to Disabled.
It is recommended to visit Microsoft.com for information for modifying these policies based on the operating system and version of the software in use.
Keywords:
References: None
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Problem Statement: Aspen Production Control Web Server 2006.x, running on a Windows 2003 sp1 experiences problem when sp2 is applied.
Issue 1 - Immediate performance issues : taking several minutes to connect to a webpage. This was immediately after putting the webserver into service. After backing out SP2, the server worked fine again.
Issue 2 - A lockup of the webserver : server halts, can't ping, can't login. This was approximately 10 days after putting the server into service.
Rebooting was the only
|
Solution: .
Issue 3 - There seems to be many reports regarding SP2 causing issues w/ IIS6Solution
Issues 1 and 2, may be the result of old NIC drivers on servers.
SP2 requires at least rev 2008 drivers for Broadcom NICs,
to support features added by SP2 such as TOE and RSS.
Issue 3 - A possible reSolution may be uninstalling IIS, deleting all its folders (c:\inetpub; c:\windows\system32\inetsrv), reinstalling IIS, reinstalling SP2
Keywords: PCWS, web server, iis, patch, update, sp2, quits, dies, lock
References: None
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Problem Statement: After a firewall implementation between Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) and Aspen DMCplus Online, the communication between these two application may stop with following error messages:
Application or variable group not available.
The application may down for maintenance or an invalid URL was specified.
|
Solution: Implement Master trader on the outside of the firewall with PCWS.
Open port 11004 for the DMCplus connection from the PCWS Server to the DMCplus Online Server.
Open ports 11002 and 11003 outbound from the DMCplus Online Server to the PCWS Server.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: How does Aspen Fleet Optimizer try and reduce excess inventories?
|
Solution: Since products at a customer location sell at different rates, delivering the right mix of product is essential. If too much slow-selling product is delivered, its inventory will build. With Fleet Optimizer, you can better manage inventory positions at customer sites to avoid this issue.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: Is it possible to configure which FF's are visible in the SUB operations view?
|
Solution: Yes. You can create your own Variable Groups using the Configuration tab (must have Site_Admin role permission).
1) Click the Group Definitions link.
2) Select your application
3) Select an existing variable group to work with.
4) Click Copy
5) Name your new group
6) Add/remove variables to/from the selected list
7) Save the new group.
Now go back to the Online tab and see that the new group appears in the NavBar under the application. Note: the FFs are added to Subcontroller groups based on model gain relationships.
Keywords: PCWS, Feed Forward, view, subs
References: None
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Problem Statement: How is contractors fee in Aspen Kbase calculated?
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Solution: Please refer toSolution document 104631: Understanding the Prime Contractor Report (http://support.aspentech.com/webteamcgi/SolutionDisplay_view.cgi?key=104631), page 9 in the prime.pdf document.
Keywords: prime, contractor, fee, calculated, calculate, contractors
References: None
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Problem Statement: Integrated Authentication is required with newer versions (2004.2 and later) of Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS). At your site it is still preferable to have the users enter the userid and password to run PCWS. How can you make the user enter his userid and password?
|
Solution: To resolve this situation, it is necessary to configure the browser on each client computer to prompt for userid and password.
Do this by starting a PCWS session on the computer you wish to change (this will help insure that the changes are made in the correct zone - hopefully Local intranet). Once the PCWS is open, click on tools || Internet Options and then the Security tab.
Insure that Local intranet has focus (blue background, white letters, and the icon is darkened). If another zone is selected, you might consider adding this URL to the Local Intranet zone. Some of the features work better in the Local Intranet zone.
Click on the Custom level... button, and in the resulting window, move the slider on the right hand side to the bottom. Under User Authentication there is a set of radio buttons to select the type of Logon. Select the button next to Prompt for user name and password.
The user will now be prompted, and will be able to enter a different user name and password to access PCWS.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: When I run my project evaluation in Aspen Kbase, no CAP_REP.CCP report appears. What is wrong here?
|
Solution: There isn't anything wrong. There is a new specification with the Kbase software in the Project Basis, under General Project Data.
No standard Kbase estimates and reports would be developed with the project if the M selection in the field called suppress default equipment/area/project bulks is chosen. With this selection, Kbase will function just like Icarus Project Manager.
This M option suppresses equipment volumetric model bulks and most of the system developed area and project bulks. This will ignore Engineering and Construction (crew mixes, craft names) Workforce, Power Distribution and Process Control, panel board, Contracts, Project Execution Schedule and also all area design basis option to develop estimate and reports. No standard Kbase estimates and reports will be developed.
This is why one would not see the normal Evaluate Project dialog box pop-up when first initiating a project estimate run.
So, when a project estimate is run with the M option selected, the estimating evaluation progress window will show immediately and evaluate the project....and no CAP_REP.CCP report will be generated. You will only be able to run the reports out of the Aspen Icarus Reporter.
You can turn off the M selection and all will go back to normal.
Keywords: CAP_REP.CCP, suppress default equipment/area/project bulks, General Project Data
References: None
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Problem Statement: I have been working with a very large project that has a very large reports.mdb file and associated ProjID database files.
When I attempt to save my project, it won't save. What can I do to save my project without losing all my work?
|
Solution: The culprits will be all the *ProjID database files and the reports.mdb file.
Just Cut the reports.mdb file and and Paste it to another location on your hard drive or network server. Once the file is gone, you will be able to save the project with no problems, but still have a copy of the reports.mdb file.
If cutting and pasting out the reports.mdb file does not work, then cut and paste out all the *ProjID database files to another location on your hard drive or network server.
Keywords: database, reports.mdb, save, unable to save, large file
References: None
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Problem Statement: In Aspen Kbase v2004.2, under General Piping specs, there was a field called fitting spec filename so that the user can select the fitting spec filename to use for the project.
However, that field is now missing from the General Piping specs input form.
Where is it located now?
|
Solution: The fitting specification has now moved to be a Customer External file.
If you right click on the Fittings external file, you will be able to choose select, and then your selection dialog box will appear so that you can select which external fitting specs file to use.
If you don't see your fitting file in the list, make sure that you have copied it to the correct folder:
Inch-Pound fitting specs files belong in: x:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus 2006\Data\Fittings\ip
Metric fitting specs files belong in: x:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Icarus 2006\Data\Fittings\Met
Note: If you are unsure where your path to your external fittings location is, go to Tools - Options - Preferences, and select the Locations tab.
Under Other Locations Specifications, click on the CustomExternalFittingsDir and see what path appears in the box.
This path will be the default location of where your custom external fittings file will be pulled from.
Keywords: fitting, fittings, spec, fitspc.dat, external, customer external, fitspc
References: None
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Problem Statement: Where is the Create MpsBcd (Matrix file with results) setting in V7.2 located?
In previous versions, it was located on the lower part of the Run Windows.
|
Solution: The Create MpsBcd setting is now located under Model Settings | Reporting | Output.
It can also be accessed through the Run Window, by clicking on the Reporting option on the right:
Keywords: Matrix
MPS
MPSBCD
References: None
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Problem Statement: There are many situations where there is a need to remove some material from a stream. This can happen in fractionation. The problem arises in being able to model quality subtraction rather than quality addition. Quality subtraction is needed to subtract a distillation column overhead or bottoms from the feed.
|
Solution: One specific example of subtractive recursion is the depentanization of light cat gasoline. One requirement of this type structure is that the quality of either the overhead or bottoms stream must be of known and fixed quality. The other stream's quality is solved by difference.
For example in Cat gasoline fractionation, yields from the cat cracker for gasoline can be a C5 to 325 cut. Included in this cut are the C5 materials, and the content of the C5's in the cat gasoline are qualities of the cat gasoline. The cat gasoline can be a recursed pool or a stream of fixed quality. The C5's will be subtracted and the remaining stream is a recursed pool.
PIMS submodel table structure
The following table represents a cat gasoline depentanizer. In this representation, the C5 can go overhead and the depentanized gasoline is processed further. The qualities of the subtracted stream can either be known or be recursed. The submodel below demonstrates a case where all the overhead subtracted streams have known qualities:
The feed to the depentanizer, CCG, has as qualities, the percent of the C5 components. These are used to drive the subtractive vectors. One thing you will notice is that the signs for all the C5 components are reversed from those of an additive recursion pool. The qualities of the C5 are being subtracted from the feed.
The error-vectors are created with a specific sign convention and having positive quality coefficients where qualities are used violate that convention. This is why the qualities of one of the products of this process must have fixed qualities, not recursed qualities. The product of this process is a recursed pool named HCG. The qualities are recursed from CCG and subtracting of the CC5, and the initial guess is entered into table PGUESS.
Keywords: subtract recursion
recursion
quality
subtraction
distillation
References: None
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Problem Statement: How is the Inventory Change Calculated when using AOCOST and ACPRICE?
|
Solution: AOCOST and ACPRICE are similar to OCOST and CPRICE except that AOCOST and ACPRICE multiply the entire inventory while OCOST and CPRICE multiply the difference between the opening and closing inventory. Also by selecting the AOCOST and ACPRICE, PCOST will penalize both positive and negative deviation from the target inventory. In contrast, PCOST previously only penalized negative deviation from the target inventory. The two sets of penalties are mutually exclusive. Having entries in both sets for an inventoried stream will trigger an error.
In equation form:
AOCOST * Opening Inventory - ACPRICE * (Target last period + IEXC last period - IDEF last period) + CINC + CDEC = 0
Note that CINC is a free variable and CDEC is fixed at zero. CDEC is added because XNLP needs it for the row CINC * CDEC. CDEC is irrelevant for DR. CINC thus represent the change in the inventory value
Rearranging
ACPRICE * IDEF last period - ACPRICE * IEXC last period + CINC + CDEC = Target last period * ACPRICE - AOCOST * Opening Inventory
===============================================================
The inventory change calculation can be seen in the matrix by looking at the objective function row which is OBJFN. The columns of CINCxxx are the inventory changes for each product and per the information above represent the inventory change for a product. Adding all the values for the CINC columns should equal the total inventory change which is the line item in the economic summary report. To manually calculate the inventory change, ue the equation from above.
============================================================================
Equation 1: AOCOST * Opening Inventory - ACPRICE * (Target last period + IEXC last period - IDEF last period) + CINC + CDEC = 0
OR another form where (Target last period + IEXC last period - IDEF last period) should be the closing inventory:
Equation 2: AOCOST * Opening Inventory - ACPRICE * Closing Inventory + CINC + CDEC = 0
============================================================================
Keywords: PPIMS
AOCOST
ACPRICE
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Using MPIMS sample model as example, it has three local models. In the 'Global Model Execution' Window, the check box of 'Generate All Local Models' sometime is checked, and sometimes it is not. The question is how MPIMS decide when it should be checked and when it should not.
|
Solution: A model will be regenerated for any of the following reasons:
1. A table was added, removed or suppressed on the tree
2. The mps file does not exist
3. If any of the xls files (other than CASE) is newer than the date on the mps file
Note that updating a CASE file does not cause the model to generate. Updating a submodel table does cause the model to generate (since the xls file will be newer). The 'Generate All Local Models' checkbox will be checked if MPIMS determines that all of the local models requires generation for one of the above reasons.
Keywords: regenerate
Local models
MPIMS
CASE
References: None
|
Problem Statement: This problem typically occurs when the model directory is located on the root directory (i.e. c:\model) and no home Directory exists. The root directory cannot act as a home directory.
|
Solution: There must always be a home directory above any PIMS model and the home directory can never be the root directory. Move the model directory so that its location is at least two directories below the root directory (i.e. c:\AspenTech Models\model).
Keywords: TABLES.FIL
ERROR
PIMS
References: None
|
Problem Statement: どのように期間毎に異なる静的な性状データを定義できるか？
|
Solution: BLENPROPテーブルは特定期間の入力を支援している。ストリームタグに４文字目を期間指定として加えることにより、その性状の値は特定期間のものとなる。
下記の例ではPGOに対して3期間で３つの異なる値をどのように入力するかを示している。
Keywords: PPIMS
JP-
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Why do I get an Invalid license version error when opening PIMS?
|
Solution: This error may be produce when the application is upgraded from one version to the other. The old license file has to be replaced with a new one to resolve this problem. Request for new license can be placed through our support website. Details on how to request a license online is provided in KB# 129579
A new license file is require for the V8.x series. If you have a V7.x license file, you will not be able to run V8.x until the license file is upgraded.
Keywords: Invalid license
Invalid license error
License version not correct
References: None
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Problem Statement: What are the benefits, if any, for bringing in raw property data versus only importing their respective indices in assay manager?
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Solution: Index properties are not used as input to the crude characterization process. This data is supposed to be laboratory obtained data. Since labs measure only properties and not indices, when the user imports the data to assay manager, there will be no definition of indices at that point. This import data should only include properties.
Keywords: Raw property data
Property indices
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the difference between Property Calculation Formula and Table INDEX?
|
Solution: Table INDEX is an older table which provides a means of entering points on a curve for a property relationship to its index. PIMS would interpolate between the points to find the values it needs.
Property Calculation Formula is a means of entering an equation which defines the relationship between a property and its index. This is more precise and it is recommended to replace Table INDEX entries with Property Calculation Formulas whenever possible.
Keywords: index, equation
References: None
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Problem Statement: User would like to add up two capacities and limit their total. The existing two capacities are in different submodels. How can this be done?
|
Solution: To limit a combined capacity for two submodels:
1. Set up a third capacity in table CAPS (such as CXYZ) and add the maximum and/or minimum, as desired.
2. In both of the submodels, add the new capacity row (CCAPXYZ) with entries in every column that contributes to either of the original CCAP rows. This way, the new capacity will capture everything that contributes to either of the originals and effectively represent a total of the two.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: I did not define any Prows or enter any values for final boiling point in table PGUESS as recursion. Why does PIMS report the final boiling points in the crude submodel sections under Process Parameters?
Process Parameters
Value
Swing Cut End Points
--------------------
WN1 End Point
380.00
NK2 End Point
380.00
KE1 End Point
540.00
KD2 End Point
540.00
--------------------
Ave API, Crude Mix:
CDU2, Mode2
27.99
|
Solution: PIMS looks for swing cuts in table CRDCUTS, and the final boiling points for those cuts from table ASSAYS. When it finds these, it automatically creates the necessary structure to report the endpoints.
* TABLE
CRDCUTS
Table of Contents
*
Standard Crude Cutting Schemes and Pooling
TEXT
TYPE
TYPECD1
CD1
*
*
Crude Type ->
SWEET
*
*
Operating Mode ->
Fuels
*
*
NC1
Methane
0.00000
1.00000
NC2
Ethane
0.00000
1.00000
NC3
Propane
0.00000
1.00000
IC4
Iso-Butane
0.00000
1.00000
NC4
N-Butane
0.00000
1.00000
LN1
Lgt Naphtha
9.00000
1.00000
MN1
Med Naphtha
9.00000
1.00000
WN1
Whole Naphtha
1.00000
1.00000
NK1
N/K Swing
4.00000
5.00000
1.00000
KE1
Kerosene
1.00000
1.00000
KD1
K/D Swing
4.00000
1.00000
DS1
Diesel
1.00000
1.00000
AR1
Atm Resid
2.00000
1.00000
LV1
Lgt VGO
3.00000
1.00000
HV1
Hvy VGO
3.00000
1.00000
VR1
Vac Resid
3.00000
1.00000
COK
Process Coke
9.00000
1.00000
***
Partial Table ASSAY2
IFVTWN1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
380.00000
380.00000
IFVTNK1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
400.00000
400.00000
IFVTKE1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
540.00000
540.00000
IFVTKD1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
550.00000
550.00000
IFVTDS1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
650.00000
650.00000
In this example, there are two swing cuts, NK1 and KD1. PIMS will automatically generate the report for swing cut end points in submodel SCR2 (as example) sections based on these data.
Keywords: Parameter
report
final boiling point
FVT
process parameters
References: None
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Problem Statement: There have been a couple instances of clients opening PIMS and discovering that the Model Tree is missing. There are several reasons that this could happen including:
1. File Corruption - for some reason the file became corrupted and/or deleted and PIMS reset it to the default format
2. Table SUBMODS was suppressed or deleted -- this will remove all of the submodel links
3. The user manually copied the model files, but forgot to copy the PIMSModel.pimx file - this file contains all of the information in the model tree.
|
Solution: If this happens to you, there are several steps that you can take to minimize the damage and reduce the recovery time. These steps are:
1. Immediately close PIMS and DO NOT REOPEN the program. If you re-open the program, you will overwrite the backup file PIMSModel.BAK.
2. Open Windows Explorer and go to the directory that contains the model. Find the PIMSModel.pimx file and rename it.
3. Find the PIMSModel.BAK file and rename it to PIMSModel.pimx
4. Re-open PIMS and see if the model tree has been restored. If it has, the last step to recovery is to review any changes that you recently made to the model tree and/or model settings and make sure that they are still there.
5. If the model tree is still missing, then go to another copy of the same model and get the PIMSModel.pimx file and copy it to the model that has the damaged file. You should then be able to open PIMS and have most of the model tree restored. You will need to review the model settings and tree links to make sure that they matched what you had before.
6. If you don't have another copy of your model, then you will have to rebuild the model tree manually by reconnecting the spreadsheets and making any necessary changes to the model settings.
Keywords: PIMS
Model Tree
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to vary a submodel's min/max capacity limits based on varying input feed flow rate?
|
Solution: The situation is if there is a need to model a submodel's min/max capacity that changes depending on feed flow rate to a unit, like modeling one minimum capacity above a particular feed threshold and a different minimum capacity below a different feed threshold.
Table EXPERT could be used for modelling such a situation. Table EXPERT is used for executing ‘If, Then' statements/conditions. Each row in table EXPERT contains a rule. Each rule defines a condition and an action. When the condition is met, the action is performed.
The table syntax and example can be found in the help file. You will need to create a new case for feed-based capacity, with the keyword ‘Expert' under the new case and add a new worksheet named Expert that contains the logic.
Based on the flow variable SXXXYYY, the min/max capacity in the CAPS table for SXXX could be changed.The first 5 columns of the table expert are condition columns(IfTable, Row, Column, Relation, Value) and the next 4 are actions based on the condition set (SetTable, SetRow, SetColumn, SetValue)
The SXXXYYY condition would go in the first 5 columns, and the CXXX that depends on this flow variable would go into the next 4 columns.
In fact, table EXPERT can be used for any If/Else situations.
Keywords: Capacity constraint, table Expert, SXXX, CXXX, SXXXYYY, If Else, table Case
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is the significance of ESGP rows and Table GASPLANT in PIMS model?
|
Solution: ESGP rows are automatically created in PIMS for type zero cuts using information available in Table CRDCUTS and CRDDISTIL. The volume sample model can be used to study the significance of ESGP rows for a model with and without GASPLANT.
Case 1: Without GASPLANT
Based on the type zero cuts specified in CRDCUTS, ESGP rows are created in respective crude units (CRDDISTL) using the assay data. In the volumes sample model there is a sub-model SGP, which defines how these gases are used to generate power or for other purposes
* TABLE
SSGP
Table of Contents
*
Saturated Gas Plant
TEXT
NC1
NC2
NC3
IC4
NC4
***
*
ESGPNC1
Methane, kscf
6.64300
ESGPNC2
Ethane, kscf
3.70800
ESGPNC3
Propane
1.00000
ESGPIC4
Iso-Butane
1.00000
ESGPNC4
N-Butane
1.00000
*
*
Utilities (per BBL):
UBALFUL
Fuel MMBTU
0.00000
0.00000
0.58800
0.58800
0.58800
UBALKWH
Power KWH
17.95600
10.05000
6.62600
5.97500
6.10400
UBALH2O
Cooling Water MGAL
0.00000
0.00000
0.00400
0.00400
0.00400
*
CCAPSCP
Compressor BBLS
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
CCAPSD2
Deethanizer BBLS
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
CCAPSD3
Depropanizer BBLS
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
CCAPSD4
Debutanizer BBLS
1.00000
1.00000
CCAPSDI
Deisobutanizer BBLS
1.00000
1.00000
Case 2: With GASPLANT
When the GASPLANT table is active the coefficient 1 specifies the gases that are hooked with specified SUBMODELS.
GASPLANT table in volume sample model is as follows
* TABLE
GASPLANT
Table of Contents
*
TEXT
NC1
NC2
NC3
NC4
IC4
*
SGPSLPR
Reformer
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
SGPSHCD
Hydrocracker
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
SGPSKHT
Kero HT
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
SGPSDHT
Distillate HT
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
SGPSNHT
Naphtha HT
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
The Table stipulates that the Gas Plant is connected to units: Reformer, Hydrocraker, Kero KT, Distillate HT, Naphtha HT. To understand better let us consider the unit NHT
TEXT
MN1
DCN
***
*
VBALMN1
Comb Med Naphtha
1.00000
VBALDCN
Coker Naphtha
1.00000
*
VBALHYL
High Purity H2, kscf
0.05000
0.09000
VBALH2S
H2 Sulfide, kscf
-0.00722
npard-0.04950
VBALNC1
Methane, kscf
-0.00399
-0.14216
VBALNC2
Ethane, kscf
-0.00334
-0.11940
VBALNC3
Propane
-0.00060
-0.02140
VBALNC4
N-Butane
-0.00350
-0.06070
VBALTSN
Trtd SR Naphtha
-0.99490
VBALTCN
Trtd Coker Naphtha
-0.86990
VBALLOS
Loss
-0.00100
-0.04800
*
CCAPNHT
NHT CAP UTIL, BBLS
1.00000
1.00000
*
*
Utilities (per BBL):
n
UBALFUL
Fuel MMBTU
0.02600
0.02800
UBALKWH
Power KWH
0.68000
0.70600
UBALSTM
Steam MLBS
0.00200
0.00200
UBALH2O
Cooling Water MGAL
0.00100
0.00100
UBALCCC
Cat + Chem $
0.01900
0.02000
***
As observed, row VBALNC1 states that 0.00399 units of NC1 is produced for one unit of MN1 and 0.14216 units of NC1 is produced for one unit of DCN, here PIMS automatically creates a GASPLANT driver row ESGPNC1 with the same coefficient of VBALNC1 that drives the NC1 produced in this unit to GASPLAT.
In a nut shell the GASPLANT serve as a pool for GASES produced in crude units and other units (sub-model). Depending on the sign of coefficients in the sub-models specific component (for example NC1) is either sent to the GASPLANT or consumed from the GASPLANT.
Keywords: ESGP rows
GASPLANT
Table SGP
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How can I constrain the total sales of a product across multiple periods in a PPIMS model?
|
Solution: Structure can be created to limit the total quantity sold over 2 or more periods. Using the PPIMS Volume Sample model as a starting point, the following structure can be added to illustrate how this is done. In Table ROWS, add a Capacity row to sum the sales you are interested in limiting using coefficients of 888. The capacity row name should be 8 characters long with the final character being a period identifier. This is so the capacity row is not duplicated for each period. Note that an 888 entry is only valid in table ROWS, it is replaced by the period length for the period defined by the 8th character in that column name. For example, the 888 in column SELLURG1 will be replaced with 31 (the defined length of period 1 from Table PERIODS).
* TABLE
ROWS
*
User Defined Rows
TEXT
SELLURG1
SELLURG2
SELLURG3
***
*
CCAPTUR1
Total URG in periods 1-3
888
888
888
*** End
This makes the capacity equal to the sum of the sales of URG in periods 1, 2, and 3 (in Barrels/Day). Then in Table CAPS, the capacity is defined and limits may be defined with an entry such as:
* TABLE
CAPS
*
TEXT
MIN
MAX
*
CTUR
Total URG in periods 1-3
10
140
*** End
The limits can also be modified from the CASE table if that is desired.
Keywords: PPIMS
LIMITS
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is Aspen PIMS Automation and how do I use it?
|
Solution: Aspen PIMS can be controlled as an OLE automation server. This means that another Windows program such as Excel or a custom-client program can control the execution of PIMS with the use of PIMS automation methods.
To use PIMS automation methods, a basic knowledge of Visual Basic or COM programming is useful. Using PIMS OLE automation should be straightforward for those familiar with Microsoft Visual Basic or Visual Basic for Applications within Microsoft Excel.
Most PIMS automation methods correspond to items you can modify or execute directly from the PIMS user interface. For example, you can use PIMS automation methods to perform any of the following tasks:
· Adding input tables to the PIMS model tree
· Execute a PIMS model
· Modify PIMS model settings
Modify PIMS model settings: PIMS Automation to eliminate MINOBJ for a specific case
We can use PIMS automation to view the changes to a model file after clearing MINOBJ in one of the cases. This means we will control PIMS execution through Excel and VBA code, without actually having to access the PIMS GUI directly.
Consider the following situation:
We have a model (attached), with three cases
1. Case 1: OptimalSolution 1294.11
2. Case 2: OptimalSolution 1247.67
3. Case 3: OptimalSolution 1048.67
Suppose we were to invoke a MINOBJ value of 1200, the third case would be infeasible.
1. Set the model settings as below (MINOBJ=1200)
2. Run the cases 1-3
3. The optimization results are as below. As expected, the third case returns infeasible as it fails to satisfy the MINOBJ value.
So, here, we'll make all three cases feasible by removing the MINOBJ value, through Excel automation.
Using PIMS Automation for eliminating MINOBJ for a particular case - Steps to Follow:
1. Download the attached model. Open it in PIMS and make sure that it has a base case MINOBJ value of 1200 in model settings. Close PIMS
2. Download the attached macro enabled excel sheet
3. Open the excel sheet.
4. In Cell A13, enter the correct path of the model that you downloaded
5. Press Alt+F11 to open the VBA editor
6. Review the code as part of 'module1.' There are comments added as part of each step in the code (in green)
7. Please follow the help file topic “Automation Overview�. It also contains the available automation calls that can be used in PIMS.
8. There is a file named PIMSMacro.xlsm that is a sample VBA template for operating PIMS through automation.
9. Press F8 to run the VBA code line by line.
Code Overview:
The code in the attached excel sheet is a modification of the VBA code in the sample automation worksheet (PIMSMacro.xlsm). The main blocks of the code are the same as in the sample file (Opening the model, stacking cases, running the model etc), but the important modification is the use of the ClearMinObj(), before running the third case)
Algorithm:
1. Create object variable (named iPimsWin here) for PIMS (VBA requires it. All PIMS automation functions have to be called through this object)
2. Declare other variables that could be used
3. Launch PIMS (iPimsWin = CreateObject(Pimswin.Document))
4. Open the model (the model path is taken from the cell A13)
5. Stack cases. First we stack case 1 and 2 (with the MINOBJ value)
6. Set Generate Matrix on (this is analogous to selecting the generate matrix checkbox in the model execution dialog box)
7. Run Model through the model execution dialog box in PIMS.
8. Now Clear the MINOBJ value using the automation function (ClearMinObj())
9. Now select case 3 and run it through the model execution dialog box in PIMS
10. We get an optimalSolution of 1048 for the case, which shows that the MINOBJ value has been cleared.
To verify that the code works, just ensure that MINOBJ exists in the General|Miscellaneous section at the start of the automation execution, and doesn't exist at the end of executing case 3.
Keywords: PIMS Automation, MINOBJ, Model Settings, Model Execution, VBA, Excel
References: None
|
Problem Statement: I have defined property calculation formula (or use T. INDEX) to calculate index from property, for example, calculate Reid Vapor Pressure Index RVI from Reid Vapor Pressure RVP.
I have RVP data of the blending components and the RVP spec of blended product. If I define RVP spec in T.BLNSPEC, PIMS would constraint the blend based on RVP and calculate RVP of blend linearly, which is undesired since RVP is non-linear. What I want is PIMS to convert the RVP spec into RVI spec so that it calculates RVI of the blend linearly and then report both RVI and RVP value. How this can be achieved?
|
Solution: This can be achieved by checking the setting Convert Property Specs to Index Specs under Model Setting | General | Miscellaneous
Note that when this setting is used, warning W610 “Replacing (property) SPEC with (index) SPEC in Table XXX” is generated and this is by designed, you can ignore or suppress the warning if it is your intention to use this setting.
By using this setting, even if you defined property spec RVP in table BLNSPEC, PIMS would convert it into index spec RVI, then calculate RVI of the blend linearly and back calculate into RVP for reporting.
Attached is a simple LP model demonstrating the use of “Convert Property Specs to Index Specs” setting for your reference. Note that this is not a refinery model that represents refinery configurations.
Keywords: Convert Property Specs to Index Specs, W610, Index, blend specification, Property Calculation Formula
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Some streams are automatically generated by PIMS and do not get text descriptions. These streams may have no text or a generic text in the reports as shown below. This can happen for virtual pools, deferred cuts, and when PIMS automatically creates a clone of the stream such as for crude unit swing cuts. How can I define a text description for these streams?
|
Solution: There is no specific place that PIMS provides to define TEXT for these streams. However, if the stream is used in another table, you can generally define the TEXT there. Some options include:
1. If a Deferred Cut goes to blending, the TEXT from BLNMIX will be used in the reports.
2. If Deferred Cuts go to a submodel, the TEXT can be defined there.
3. If neither of the above apply, you can put the tag name and the desired TEXT description as a “dummy” entry into a table. By that I mean the tag really doesn't need to be in that table, but you are adding it simply as a means of defining the TEXT. Examples would be:
a. Put a WBAL (or VBAL) entry in a submodel that has no numeric entries on that row. PIMS will use the description from the TEXT column. This will prompt a warning message about RBALs not being equal to WBALs if the stream is recursed (such as a deferred cut). However these can be suppressed using Table MSGSUP.
b. Define a dummy blend and add the streams in Table BLNMIX as potential components of that blend, then provide the desired TEXT. If the dummy blend is not in Table SELL, or if it is there but with MAX=0, then this would not alter yourSolution. For this option you will also need to define the dummy blend in Table BLENDS and I would suggest making it a formula blend so no entries are needed in BLNSPEC.
c. Similar to option b, you can add the streams as potential components to an existing blend. Then use Table BOUNDS to set the activities of those blend vector columns to zero.
d. Another option is to put entries in Table SELL. Of course you will also want to set the MAX=0 in SELL to avoid changing yourSolution. This option leads to all these streams being listed with the Sales in reports unless you turn on ZEROPS which suppresses reporting of purchases and sales which have zero activity. So that may be something to consider as well.
Keywords: TEXT, PCALC'd Pool
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What does marginal value mean in E row?
|
Solution: E row is one type of control row which defines equality relationship in PIMS model. However, to increase the final objective function, we can relax the equality relationship by adding marginal value to the E row. In this way, theSolution is relaxed to a feasible region.
For example, the equation of E row is,
1*LGO +1*VGO -10,000 = 0
If the marginal value of this E row is positive (e.g. +1), then the equation will be,
1*LGO +1*VGO -10,000 +1 = 0
1*LGO +1*VGO - 9,999 = 0
So that the E row is relaxed to:
1*LGO +1*VGO -10,000 <= 0
If the marginal value of this E row is negative (e.g. -1), then the equation will be,
1*LGO +1*VGO -10,000 -1 = 0
1*LGO +1*VGO - 10,001 = 0
So that the E row equation is relaxed to:
1*LGO +1*VGO -10,000 >=0
The sign of marginal value could be considered as the convention. The value of marginal value will test how much E row relaxation will affect the objective function.
Keywords: E Row
Marginal Value
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When user modifies MIN/MAX values from CASE table, the limits in the report or matrix do not match the changes modified in table CASE. Why?
|
Solution: PIMS has a model setting which works with table CASE together to decide how to change those limits. For example, from model tree, Model Setting | General | General tab, field 'Case Stack Bound Updates' has two options,
1. Replace only bounds provided
2. Replace MIN and MAX bounds if either provided
In other words, if user chooses the first option, the limits will be modified accordingly. If user chooses the second option, then PIMS is going to modify the other unprovided limit. That is
if set MAX value, then automatically resets MIN = 0
If set MIN value, then automatically resets MAX = infinity
Key Words
CASE
MIN
MAX
Keywords: CAPS
ignore
CASE
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Is it possible to create a new base PIMS model from a case of another model?
|
Solution: PIMS does provide a way to create a new base model from a case. This creates a new set of input tables that are updated with case data from the original model. Here is how to do this:
There is a setting called, 'Save copy of assembled tables to spreadsheets using Excel' from the Miscellaneous tab of the General Model Settings. Turn it on.
PIMS will save a file called, 'PIMSInputImage.xls' for the base model and 'PIMSInputImage-xxx.xls' for case xxx.
One limitation of this method is that PIMS does not save the model settings. If you want to create a model from these tables, I would recommend copying to old model to a new directory, to preserve your settings.
Remove all input tables from the new model.
Finally, the new tables can be added by right-clicking on the 'Tables' icon and selecting 'Add Tables in a workbook'.
Keywords: case
base
save
copy
input
image
model
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How do I get PIMS to rigorously calculate wt% sulfur in the crude?
|
Solution: The following changes to the model will set up the desired calculation and provide a means to limit the sulfur level as well.
In Table SUBMODS, add a new submodel:
TABLE SUBMODS * SCSC CRUDE SULFUR CONTROL
In Table ASSAYS add 2 new Erows to calculate the weight of each crude and the weight of the sulfur in each crude:
TABLE ASSAYS
TEXT AAA ELBSCRD POUNDS OF CRUDE =-SPG * 350 LB/BBL water ELBSSUL LBS S IN CRUDE 100 =-SPG 350 LB/BBL water *WT% SULFUR
Add a new submodel (SCSC) with the structure for the calculation, control and reporting of the wt% sulfur in the crude. In this example, the crude sulfur is limited to 1.8 wt%. This value can be changed as necessary using case stacking.
TABLE SCSC CRUDE SULFUR CALCULATION AND CONTROL *
TEXT
lbs
sul
ELBSCRD
lbs of crude
1
ELBSSUL
*
lbs S in crude * 100
1
GSULCRD
*
1.80
1
PCRDNUM2
CRUDE SULFUR (WT%)
1
PCRDDEN2
1
Keywords: pims
sulfur
crude
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Which Aspen PIMS tables allow the introduction of Penalties or Infeasibility Breakers?
|
Solution: There are several ways to define penalties and infeasibility breakers for Aspen PIMS. The following is a summary of the tables that allow penalties.
Table BUY
Table BUY uses column IPRICE. Entries in this column define a price at which Aspen PIMS may sell the the referenced material in order to eliminate model infeasibilities. If such a price is designated, it should be lower than the component cost as defined in column COST.
Table SELL
Table SELL uses column ICOST. Entries in this column define a price at which Aspen PIMS may buy the the referenced material in order to eliminate model infeasibilities. If such a cost is designated, it should be higher than the component value as defined in column PRICE.
Table CAPS
Column PENALTY defines the cost imposed on the objective function when a capacity constraint is violated.
Table PROCLIM
Column PENALTY defines the cost imposed on the objective function when a process limit constraint is violated.
Table SCALE
Column PENALTY defines the cost imposed on the objective function when a specification constraint is violated. Entries in this column provide infeasibility breakers for all blend specifications for the designated property.
Table BLNTARG
Column UALL defines the penalty imposed if the blend is above the target value.
Column DALL defines the penalty imposed on the objective function if the blend is below the target.
Column UXXX and DXXX are blend-specific penalties for above and below the target, where XXX is the name of the specific blend (for example, DURG).
Columns UALL and DALL will apply to all blends for which there is not a blend-specific entry. For all of the penalty columns, the numeric entries are in monetary units per volume unit of the component (typically $/Bbl).
Table PINV
Column PCOST defines the penalty cost to be incurred if the ending inventory falls below target inventory at the end of a period. This does not penalize the objective function if the ending inventory exceeds the target inventory at the end of a period. This cost is defined in monetary units per unit of weight or volume, typically in $/BBL.
Table DINV
Just like table PINV, column PCOST defines the penalty cost to be incurred if the ending inventory falls below target inventory at the end of a period. This does not penalize the objective function if the ending inventory exceeds the target inventory at the end of a period. This cost is defined in monetary units per unit of weight or volume, typically in $/BBL.
Keywords: penalty
infeasibility
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Why does PMCRealLabDef records not set ACK flag as expected?
|
Solution: Lab data will be automatically acknowledged by the LIMS interface if the LAB ACK MASTER SW field is set to ON. The Default state is OFF:
LAB ACK MASTER SW is the automatic LAB data receipt Acknowledgment Master Switch for the Universal LIMS Interface product.
OFF = The LIMS Interface does not automatically acknowledge lab data received.
ON = The LIMS Interface automatically acknowledges data received.
NOTE: The field LAB ACK MASTER SW is in the record named 'PLANT-SYSTEMS' which is defined by PlantSystemsDef.
Keywords: ACK
PMCRealLabDef
LIMS
Interface
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When running PIMS-AO using parallel processing, I the error below. How do I fix this?
|
Solution: There are 5 files that need to be set in the Windows Firewall exceptions in order for parallel processing to function correctly. These are:
CaseParallel
Multistartparallel
PIMSWIN
Smpd
Mpiexec
Keywords:
References: None
|
Problem Statement: In one model which solves in DR, albeit after long calculation and several infeasible recursion passes, I have moved the SELL entry for one tag from its present position to another place in the same table. The resultant run doesn't solve and is reported as infeasible. If my understanding of theory behind LP is correct this shouldn't happen. What could cause this?
|
Solution: Even though in a stable model the order of entries in the tables practically only affects the report structure (with notable exception of tables such as CRDCUTS where the ordering of rows has a meaning) we have witnessed over the years that very rarely it can in fact affect theSolution of an extremely unstable run. The theoretical explanation behind this is the fact that with the change in the position in the input tables comes a change in the order of the rows in the matrix. In a stable model the order of the matrix should have no impact to theSolution - optimum remains the same. Still in a very unstable model with feasibility issues the order of the change in the variables may lead to stalling or an inability to recover from a series of infeasibleSolution passes. It is also important to note here that models with infeasible recursion passes are generally suspect to local optimality so a very small and highly unlikely possibility exists that the ordering of the entries in input tables could also lead to two different feasible but locally optimal results in such cases. In other words the scenario in which the ordering of entries in input tables can impact theSolution is highly unlikely but still possible. In practical experience we have only ever seen it in extremely unstable models.
Keywords: Order
Input tables
OFV
Objective function value
Stability
Solver
LP
Linear programming
References: None
|
Problem Statement: In
|
Solution: 131060, it discussed there are three initialization methods for XNLP. For XLP (new matrix generator), there are two initialization methods. ThisSolution discusses those two methods along with partial execution logs from each of those two methods.
Solution
Model formulation in XLP improves the structure of a generated model in a variety of ways. The major changes in the XLP model structure are divided into two sections:
a) Model changes that are equivalent to the old structure
b) Changes that improve the model accuracy
Due to the above natures, there are two ways to initialize the models in XLP.
Method 1: Start from previousSolution
From the Run Execution Dialog, select an inputSolution. The number indicates the file -- full name is 'XNLP_Solution.001'. You can change the extension .DAT of default outputSolution XNLP_Solution.DAT to any three digits, and the number will shown in 'InputSolution' fields.
Partial Execution log for XLP with initialization fromSolution file.
Processing Case 1
************************************************************************************
* Non-Default Model Settings *
* *
* Setting Name Tab Default Value Actual Value *
*
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When a model that is in a folder just below the Root Directory (e.g. C:\Model) is archived and is later on unarchived in another location, it will prompt to specify a New Model Directory Name, as shown below.
After you specify the New Directory, it will unarchive the model, but the unarchived model will have no tables attached to the Model Tree.
|
Solution: Actually, the model is unarchived correctly; you will find the model by selecting Model | Open..., and then selecting the folder that is below the one currently open. This one will have all the tables attached to the tree, as expected.
The resulting Folder structure from this Archiving / Unarchiving procedure is shown below:
You can avoid this confusing situation by always placing your models at least two folders down the Root Directory, e.g. C:\PIMS Models\Model 1
Keywords: Archive
Unarchive
Root Directory
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How do you remove (or blank-out) an entry in T.CASE. For example, you might want to:
Remove a blendstock from table BLNMIX
Remove an entry in column DISABLE in either BUY or SELL
etc.
|
Solution: Use the keyword EMPTY to remove or blank-out entries in a table. The example below demonstrates the use of the EMPTY keyword to remove ALK as a component to gasoline blend URG:
Keywords: empty
clear
case
blank
delete
remove
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How do I setup the ABML Driveability index in Aspen PIMS when my D86 temperatures are in degrees C?
|
Solution: The ABML correlation for driveability index uses temperatures in degrees F by default. A different procedure exists for those who wish to enter the D86 temperatures into the driveability index in degree C (?C). For example, this may apply to non-US refiners who wish to sell gasoline into the US market. In this case do the following:
1. Leave the units CORF as ?F.
2. Enter the D86 temperatures, in ?C, into the driveability index calculation.
3. Convert the US spec (typically around 1200) using the following formula (ASTM D4814-08b):
D1 spec in ?C = (D1 spec in ?F - 176)/1.8
For example if the D1 spec in ?F equals 1200 then:
D1 spec in ?C = (1200 -176)/1.8
D1 spec in ?C = 569
Keywords: driveability
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Some models will have a mix of PRICE and VPRICE entries so it is quite possible to inadvertently have an entry in both columns for a single product. If values are entered for the same product under both PRICE and VPRICE in table SELL, then BOTH values get entered into the objective function, the PRICE entry under SELLXXX and the VPRICE value under SzzzXXx.
|
Solution: Always make sure that each product has either a PRICE or VPRICE entry, NOT both to avoid duplication of the $ in the objective function.
Keywords: pims
vprice
sell
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How can I report variables in Table Rows using P-rows?
|
Solution: Here is a example of ROWS Table where the user would like to report the sum of variables PURCSRF and PURCSRX. As evident from Table ROWS below, the summation of PURCSRF and PURCSRX is represented by a seven letter variable code SDDDSRF
*Table
Rows
*
TEXT
PURCSRF
PURCSRX
SDDDSRF
ETR1SRF
-1
-1
1
Reporting SDDDSRF can be accomplished by creating a dummy sub-model SDDD. Notice that the sub- model name should be the first four characters of variable SDDDSRF
*Table
SDDD
TEXT
SRF
SRX
ETR2SRF
1
-1
*
P234T673
Total Paraffin
1
In the dummy sub model an E-ROW is created using column names SRF and SRX with entries 1 and -1 so that it balances out. The column name SRF should represent the last three characters of the variable to be reported (in this case SDDDSRF) and the column name SRX may be user defined.
It is well know that the PIMS variable for a sub-model is a combination of the sub-model name and the column name. Therefore, by adding a P-Totalizer row the value of SDDDSRF is reported,
Keywords: P rows in Table ROWS
Report Table rows
Reporting
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Why do I get an Invalid license version error when opening PIMS?
|
Solution: This error may be produce when the application is upgraded from one version to the other. The old license file has to be replaced with a new one to resolve this problem. Request for new license can be placed through our support website. Details on how to request a license online is provided in KB# 129579
A new license file is require for the V8.x series. If you have a V7.x license file, you will not be able to run V8.x until the license file is upgraded.
Keywords: Invalid license
Invalid license error
License version not correct
References: None
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Problem Statement: When I run the model with the XLP Matrix Generator option and the Build Crude Unit Swing Cut Quality Gradients option, I get the following error:
Error E687 Missing FVT Data for Gradient Quality Calculation in Table XXX Cut YYY
My assay tables have the FVT data defined, so I?m not sure what to do.
|
Solution: The model is generating Error 687 because it?s missing some FVT data. You have to provide the final vapor temperature (FVT) data for the swing cut itself, the cut below the swing cut and the two cuts above the swing cut.
Also, if the swing cut does not have valid cuts above or below it, it will generate this error message. For example, if one of the cuts above it is a deferred cut. In this case the swing cut gradient method should not be used.
Keywords: swing cut gradient
References: None
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Problem Statement: Why is the AO report option greyed out?
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Solution: This may due toa corruption in the registry key. To clean up this registry, go to START, then RUN, and type in regedit to open the registry editor. Now search for
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Aspentech\PIMSWin\UserSettings
and delete this registry.
If this does not help, try to reinstall the applications following the procedures below,
1. Uninstall all Aspen software
2. Reboot
3. Delete these registry keys
HKEY_CURRENT_USER | Software | AspenTech
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | Software | AspenTech
4. Reinstall AT software
Keywords: AO report, grey, grey out, registry, reinstall, re-install, un-install, uninstall
References: None
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Problem Statement: In PIMS-AO, I can add external models to the model tree. How are such external models handled in the matrix?
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Solution: Below is a summary of how external models are handled.
1. Under MODEL SETTINGS | Non-linear Model (XNLP) | External Models there is an option called “Use Input/output mapping”. This is the switch that determines how the external model’s equations are incorporated into the matrix.
a. If this option is selected, then PIMS will create one equation in the matrix for each output variable of the external model. This can result in a substantial reduction in the number of equations.
b. If this option is not selected, then PIMS will put one equation in the matrix for every equation in the external model.
c. So if I have an external model with 5 input variables, 2 output variables, and 100 equations:
i. With option checked – there will be 2 equations in the matrix for this external model
ii. With option not checked – there will be 100 equations in the matrix for this external model
2. External model equations are shown in the matrix analyzer, however the functional format is not shown, just the dependency. This is the same way ABML functions are shown. So for example, if variable ABC is a function of X, Y, and Z, then the matrix analyzer will show that dependency relationship ABC = F(X, Y, Z), but it will not show the actual equation.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes why the Scenario Evaluation Tool (SET) may not generate cases.
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Solution: Executing a .SET file by navigating Scenario | Run, returns an error as shown in the figure below:
In order to fix this error make sure that the Excel COM Add-Ins DO NOT have any SET links, if anything found it has to be removed.
Keywords: SET error
Unable to run SET
Scenario Evaluation Tool
References: None
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Problem Statement: P-PIMS???f???E?????ACRDDISTL?e?[?u????EST???????s???K?v???E????????? ?e?I?I?E?????H
???u?IP-PIMS???f???ICRDDISTL?e?[?u???EEST???????s???e?`???e?A???E???????I?a`e?a?E?-ZA?s????I???f?????W?????f???E?I?X???e??CRDDISTL?e?[?u???EEST???????s???K?v??PIMS?I???b?Z?[?W???\Z|???e?e?B?E??P-PIMS???IEST???????s???s?K?v?E?I???H
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Solution: PPIMS???f?????ICRDTANKS?aCRDALLOC?e?[?u????Zg?p???e?????????CRDDSTIL ?e?[?u???EEST???????s??PIMS?a????Z????I?E???????e?e?B?@???????A?A?A?????A?I?'?u??CRDTANKS???o?R???A???e?e??CRDDISTL?e?[?u???EEST???????s???K?v???E?-?E?e?B???????A?a???>?I?'?u?????UCrude Unit?E?s?-?e???IEST???????s???K?v?E?E?e?B
Keywords: JP-
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can you attach user's documentation to an Aspen PIMS model, e.g. log of model changes, work procedures, model relevant data, etc.?
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Solution: To attach user's documentation to an Aspen PIMS model you can use Table USER, under the Miscellaneous branch of the tree. Files attached here have no effect on the model structure.
1. Right click on the USER table in the Miscellaneous branch of the Aspen PIMS model tree and select Add.
2. Select the files that you want to attach to the model: you are not restricted to MS Excel files, you can add MS Word, MS PowerPoint, PDF files, etc. If they are recognized by the operating system, they will open by double-clicking.
3. These files will be archived as part of the Model Archive procedure, so it is easy to keep them as part of the model.
Keywords: User Documentation
Aspen PIMS Model Tree
Table USER
Auditing
Auditor
References: None
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Problem Statement: This knowledge base article explains why a ScheduledActDef record may appear to hang with a single record stuck in the SUSPENDED_UNTIL_DONE field.
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Solution: In the ScheduledActDef record's repeat area, if the WAITFOR_PROCESSING? field is set to Yes (as shown below) this will cause the records to activate one after the other. This way if there is a dependency between two scheduled records, you can be sure that one has finished executing before the other executes.
The drawback is that if one record does not execute, all of the other records that are scheduled will wait for the one record to finish processing before they execute. This will prevent the other records from executing.
You can temporarily work around the problem by setting the WAITFOR_PROCESSING? field to No for the record which does not process. Then this record would not prevent the other records from executing. However, a long term reSolution will be to determine why the record which is always displayed in the SUSPENDED_UNTIL_DONE field does not execute as expected.
Keywords: ScheduleActDef
hung
hang
freeze
crash
frozen
References: None
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Problem Statement: After installing InfoPlus.21 version 4.1.1, the IP21 group task list does not appear in the InfoPlus.21 Manager. When trying to use ADDGROUP.exe, the following error message appears:
security repository already exists for this database.
|
Solution: Check that the following three services are running, and verify that the password and log-in is correct for each:
1. World Wide Web Publishing Service.
2. Aspen Local AFW Trustee Server.
3. Aspen Registry Security Server.
4. Go to the USER diectory list and make sure that IPGUESTUSER has a login and password associated with it.
5. Now you can go to a command prompt and path out to: C:\Program Files\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code and run the ADDGROUP.exe file.
6. To run Addgroup.exe, you will need to place your login and password right after the exe (use the account under which IP.21 was installed):
addgroup.exe <login_name> <password>
The error goes away and now the IP21 group task list appears in the IP21 manager.
Keywords: secuirty repository
InfoPlus.21
group
References: None
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Problem Statement: Model Cleanup sometimes stopped by system error in Japanese Windows system.
The temporary files were not deleted properly. How to resolve it?
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Solution: The same symptom observed in Korean and Chinese systems.
If the model includes non-English character (double-byte character) in file name or folder name, it may happen.
You need to rename or remove such characters from the file names.
Keywords: International Windows
References: None
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Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base Article discusses the following error which can potentially be seen after an upgrade of Aspen InfoPlus.21 to version 2006.5:
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Solution: This behavior might occur when different versions of the NDIServer.dll file are present in the Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared and ProgramFiles\AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code directories, which can be caused due to a failed/incomplete upgrade or Patch install.
As a rule of thumb, the newest version of this file should be present in both directories. For Example, in a new 2006.5 installation, the version of this file is: 4.12.149.0
Keywords: NDIServer.dll
IP21DA_Server.exe Entry Point Not Found
References: None
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Problem Statement: This document details the Utility consumption in the Crude and Vacuum units for various scenarios.
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Solution: The Utilities consumption per unit of crude is usually defined for each crude and vacuum unit in the CRDDISTL Table. The following are the various use cases with respect to defining the utilities in CRDDISTL table with the different possible Vacuum cut types.
A. Atmospheric Residue is Type 1 and there are no Vacuum cuts
B. Atmospheric Residue is Type 2 and Vacuum cuts are type 3
C. Vacuum Cuts are of Type 9
In the example that we will consider, there are three utilities namely Steam, Fuel and Power. Table CRDDISTL defines the consumption of these utilities for each crude unit.
We consider Mode 3, which is the logical mode 'CD3' for our studies. The only crude that's being fed to CD3 is ARL. Also, a rate of 500 tons of ARL is being forced into CD3.
The screen shot of CRDDISTL table is presented in Figure 1. Please note the presence of rows REPORT01 and REPORT02 that would print out the specific report for the Crude Tower and Vacuum tower respectively for CD3.
Figure 1: Screenshot of the CRDDISTL Table
SCENARIO A: Atmospheric Residue is Type 1 (stream AR3) and there are no Vacuum cuts
Utilities Used/Produced
Units/DAY
$/Units
$/DAY
FUL
Plant Fuel MMBTU
140
10.89
1,525
KWH
Prod Power KWH
2,750
0.057
157
STM
Steam MLB
21
12.556
264
Total
1,945
The matrix coefficient is 0.28 for Fuel as shown in Figure 1 (cell E20). Hence the cost would be 0.28 * 500 * 10.89 = 1524.6
Similarly for the KWH (cell E21 in Figure1) it is, 5.5 * 500 * 0.057 = 156.75
For the STM utility as shown in Figure 1, cell E20, the matrix coefficient is 0.00815. Hence the cost associated with the steam consumption is equal to 0.042 * 500 * 12.556 = 51.16
SCENARIO B: Atmospheric Residue is Type 2 and Vacuum cuts are type 3
Please note that all the AR3 produced is consumed to produce the Vacuum Cut products LV3, HV3 and VR3.
The amount of utilities consumed/produced for the SCD3 would be the sum of the amount of utilities consumed in the Crude unit plus that in the Vacuum units.
For the crude unit the consumption is as follows:
Utilities Used/Produced
Units/DAY
$/Units
$/DAY
FUL
Plant Fuel MMBTU
140
10.89
1,525
KWH
Prod Power KWH
2,750
0.057
157
STM
Steam MLB
21
12.556
264
Total
1,945
The calculations are similar to what it is in the CASE A.
For the Vacuum unit:
Utilities Used/Produced
Units/DAY
$/Units
$/DAY
FUL
Plant Fuel MMBTU
6
10.89
62
KWH
Prod Power KWH
1,083
0.057
62
STM
Steam MLB
36
12.556
457
Total
The utility definitions from the CRDDISTL namely VACFUL, VACKWH and VACSTM are used. The matrix coefficients are 0.022, 4.16 and 0.14 represented by the cells E25, E26 and E27 in the CRDDISTL table for these utilities. The utility consumption details are as shown below:
Fuel Consumption Cost = 0.022 * 260 * 10.89 = 62.29
KWH Consumption Cost = 4.16 * 260 * 0.057 = 61.65
Steam Consumption Cost = 0.14 *260 * 12.556 = 457.04
SCENARIO C: Vacuum Cuts are of Type 9
1. The consumption in this case for the crude unit is exactly same as that in the Case B
2. The utility consumption for the vacuum cuts is defined in the new submodel SVA3. It does not depend upon Vacuum utility consumption defined in the CRDDISTL units.
3. Solution 103903 titled ?Non-dedicated Vacuum Stills? gives details about modeling this type of Vacuum Units.
4. In the associated model, SVA3 represents the ?Non-dedicated Vacuum unit? and the utilities are described as below:
* SVA3
VACUUM UNIT FOR CD3
*
TEXT
AR3
LV3
HV3
VR3
WBALAR3
ATM RESIDUE
1
*
EBALVA3
BALANCE ROW
-1
1
1
1
ELV1VA3
LV
-999
100
EHV1VA3
HV
-999
100
*
WBALLVX
-1
WBALHVX
-1
WBALVRX
-1
*
UBALSTM
Vac Twr FUL, MMBTU
0.02
UBALFUL
Vac Twr KWH, KWH
0.4
UBALKWH
Vac Twr STM, MLBS
0.15
The following is from the FullSolution results:
Process Feeds
Units
Units/DAY
Vol%
Units
Units/DAY
Wt%
AR3
Atm Resid 670+
BBLS
1,732
100.00
MTONS
260
100.00
Total
1,732
100.00
260
100.00
Process Yields
Units
Units/DAY
Vol%
Units
Units/DAY
Wt%
LVX
BBLS
173
10.01
MTONS
28
10.57
HVX
BBLS
923
53.30
MTONS
146
56.29
VRX
BBLS
543
31.38
MTONS
86
33.14
Total
1,640
94.70
260
100.00
Utilities Used/Produced
Units/DAY
$/Units
$/DAY
STM
Steam MLB
5
12.556
65
FUL
Plant Fuel MMBTU
104
10.890
1,134
KWH
Prod Power KWH
39
0.057
2
Total
1,201
Tables associated with each of the units:
? For Scenario A:
o ASSAY3 should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet assay3
o CRDCUTS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet crdcuts_type1
o PGUESS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet PGUESS_case1
o SUBMODS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet Submods
For Scenario B:
o ASSAY3 should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet assay3
o CRDCUTS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet crdcuts_type2
o PGUESS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet PGUESS_case2
o SUBMODS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet Submods
For Scenario C:
o ASSAY3 should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet assay3_TYPE3
o CRDCUTS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet crdcuts_type1
o PGUESS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet PGUESS_case1
o SUBMODS should be associated to Sample.xls, sheet Submods_type3
Conclusion:
It's important to note the source for the Utilities' consumption. Also, when a change of the Crude Cut Types is made, appropriate changes should be made such that actual utility consumption is reflected in the model.
Keywords: Utility
References: None
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Problem Statement: In order to run Case Comparison, Summary
|
Solution: files 'Solution000xxx.xls' need to be generated.
Solution
To generateSolution000xxx.xls files, from model tree, Reporting | XLS, option for 'Summary' box should be checked, see below.
User can also check the box from execution log screen, under Table 'SummerySolution'. If either option is selected, the other will show as selected also.
Keywords: CaseComparison
Case Comparison
References: None
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Problem Statement: How do we use table ADDITIVE in an Aspen PIMS model?
|
Solution: The tables related to the use of ADDITIVE table are, BLNSPEC, SELL and UTILBUY.
The following table ADDITIVE shows multiple additives used in blending. Row names, such as R00, are the combination of additive level and the quality. Column names 'TEL' and 'LET' are the three-character tag for each additive. Pre-defined column 'SUS' identifies the susceptibility. Numeric entries between 0 - 1 in this column define the additive response at the various levels of inclusion. The additive response defined in column SUS must be convex. Any additional column headings, such as 'RON', 'MON', .., are the three-character property tag names.
* TABLE
ADDITIVE
Table of Contents
*
Additive Response
TEXT
TEL
LET
SUS
RON
MON
DON
CNX
***
*
R00
0.00000
0.00000
1.00000
R05
0.50000
0.65231
1.00000
R11
1.10000
1.00000
1.00000
*
M00
0.00000
0.00000
1.00000
M05
0.50000
0.65231
1.00000
M11
1.10000
1.00000
1.00000
*
D00
0.00000
0.00000
1.00000
D05
0.50000
0.65231
1.00000
D11
1.10000
1.00000
1.00000
*
C00
0.00000
0.00000
1.00000
C05
0.50000
0.65231
1.00000
C11
1.10000
1.00000
1.00000
***
Once you have attached this ADDTIVE table under the model tree, you can define the MAX/MIN of the additives in blending using Table BLNSPEC,
* TABLE
BLNSPEC
Table of Contents
*
Blended Product Specifications
TEXT
URG
UPR
LRG
*
*
RVP Max Spec, PSI
9.00000
9.00000
9.00000
XRVI
RVP Index
15.58846
15.58846
15.58846
NDON
Road ON
87.00000
91.00000
88.00000
NCNX
CNX ON
88.00000
XTEL
TEL gms/gal
0.10000
NTEL
TEL gms/gal
0.00100
XLET
LET gms/gal
0.09500
Note that the unit for XTEL row is gms/gal * KBBL/DAY which means that PIMS calculates the usage of TEL in gms/GAL * (KBBL/DAY of LRG).
Let's see how PIMS converts the TEL usage into KGM/DAY. First PIMS gets the conversion factor 0.042 from General Model Setting | General tab,
In the matrix,
Row XTELLRG 0.100 * BVBLLRG -1.0 * BTELLRG >= 0.000000
Row NTELLRG 0.001 * BVBLLRG -1.0 * BTELLRG <= 0.000000
Row UBALTEL -1.0 * PURCTEL +0.042 * BTELLRG <= 0.000000
In the PIMSSolution, BVBLLRG = 5 because LRG is fixed to 5 in table SELL. PIMS calculates BTELLRG=0.475 with the unit of GMS/GAL * BBL/DAY while PURCTEL has units of KGM/DAY.
In UBALTEL, PIMS converts the units from
GMS/GAL * 0.042 GAL/BBL * KBBL/DAY
to
KGMS/DAY
* TABLE
SELL
Table of Contents
*
Product Sales
TEXT
MIN
MAX
FIX
PRICE
*
('000
('000
('000
$/BBL
*
BPD)
BPD)
BPD)
LPG
LPG
0.00000
63.16000
LRG
Leaded Regular
5.00000
106.17000
UTILBUY,
* TABLE
UTILBUY
Table of Contents
*
Utility Purchases
TEXT
MIN
MAX
FIX
COST
*
*
PURCHASES:
TEL
TEL KGM
6.00000
LET
LET KGM
5.90000
Keywords: ADDITIVE
Property
BLNSPEC
References: None
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Problem Statement: The property of a blend is displayed in the Blend Specification Report. The property of the blend reported also gets reported in the Stream Property Report if there is a corresponding entry in PGUESS. This prompts PIMS to recurse the property value and use it for other purposes such as the desired reporting.
In the Full
|
Solution: Report, the property value reported in the Stream Property section is a bit different from that of the property value displayed in the Specification Blend section. This article explains the reason.
Solution
In the associated model, the URG is recursed. Let us consider the property ARO. The stream property report and the recursion log report, the ARO of URG is 22.5718 while in the specification blend section for URG, the ARO is reported as 22.5775.
During the recursion, the last recursed value of ARO is 22.5718. This is the last value determined in the recursion for this blend quality, which happens in the second pass. There are other qualities updated in subsequent passes and different blend recipes are ultimately determined in the finalSolution than the values used in the second pass. Thus, at the end, when you calculate the actual value of ARO in URG using equation XAROURG, the value is really 22.5775, which is what shows up in the blend spec report. The value in the blend spec report is calculated from all of the variable values atSolution. The value in the recursion log report is the last recursed value, as determined during the recursion passes. So 22.5718 is the value of ARO in URG at the end of recursion pass 2 using the variable values at the end of recursion pass 2.
We can see how they might not match exactly unless you have a very low tolerance for that quality. If we add an ATOL/RTOL for ARO of 0.000001 in the Table SCALE, then they match exactly in the different report sections (at the value of 22.5775) but it takes lots more recursion passes and doesn't actually converge in 100 passes.
The value of the property reported in the Specification Blend report represents the correct property value for the blend.
Keywords: Stream Property Report
Recursion
Blend
References: None
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Problem Statement: What are the benefits, if any, for bringing in raw property data versus only importing their respective indices in assay manager?
|
Solution: Index properties are not used as input to the crude characterization process. This data is supposed to be laboratory obtained data. Since labs measure only properties and not indices, when the user imports the data to assay manager, there will be no definition of indices at that point. This import data should only include properties.
Keywords: Raw property data
Property indices
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is the difference between Property Calculation Formula and Table INDEX?
|
Solution: Table INDEX is an older table which provides a means of entering points on a curve for a property relationship to its index. PIMS would interpolate between the points to find the values it needs.
Property Calculation Formula is a means of entering an equation which defines the relationship between a property and its index. This is more precise and it is recommended to replace Table INDEX entries with Property Calculation Formulas whenever possible.
Keywords: index, equation
References: None
|
Problem Statement: User would like to add up two capacities and limit their total. The existing two capacities are in different submodels. How can this be done?
|
Solution: To limit a combined capacity for two submodels:
1. Set up a third capacity in table CAPS (such as CXYZ) and add the maximum and/or minimum, as desired.
2. In both of the submodels, add the new capacity row (CCAPXYZ) with entries in every column that contributes to either of the original CCAP rows. This way, the new capacity will capture everything that contributes to either of the originals and effectively represent a total of the two.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: I did not define any Prows or enter any values for final boiling point in table PGUESS as recursion. Why does PIMS report the final boiling points in the crude submodel sections under Process Parameters?
Process Parameters
Value
Swing Cut End Points
--------------------
WN1 End Point
380.00
NK2 End Point
380.00
KE1 End Point
540.00
KD2 End Point
540.00
--------------------
Ave API, Crude Mix:
CDU2, Mode2
27.99
|
Solution: PIMS looks for swing cuts in table CRDCUTS, and the final boiling points for those cuts from table ASSAYS. When it finds these, it automatically creates the necessary structure to report the endpoints.
* TABLE
CRDCUTS
Table of Contents
*
Standard Crude Cutting Schemes and Pooling
TEXT
TYPE
TYPECD1
CD1
*
*
Crude Type ->
SWEET
*
*
Operating Mode ->
Fuels
*
*
NC1
Methane
0.00000
1.00000
NC2
Ethane
0.00000
1.00000
NC3
Propane
0.00000
1.00000
IC4
Iso-Butane
0.00000
1.00000
NC4
N-Butane
0.00000
1.00000
LN1
Lgt Naphtha
9.00000
1.00000
MN1
Med Naphtha
9.00000
1.00000
WN1
Whole Naphtha
1.00000
1.00000
NK1
N/K Swing
4.00000
5.00000
1.00000
KE1
Kerosene
1.00000
1.00000
KD1
K/D Swing
4.00000
1.00000
DS1
Diesel
1.00000
1.00000
AR1
Atm Resid
2.00000
1.00000
LV1
Lgt VGO
3.00000
1.00000
HV1
Hvy VGO
3.00000
1.00000
VR1
Vac Resid
3.00000
1.00000
COK
Process Coke
9.00000
1.00000
***
Partial Table ASSAY2
IFVTWN1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
380.00000
380.00000
IFVTNK1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
400.00000
400.00000
IFVTKE1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
540.00000
540.00000
IFVTKD1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
550.00000
550.00000
IFVTDS1
Final(TBP) Cut, degF
650.00000
650.00000
In this example, there are two swing cuts, NK1 and KD1. PIMS will automatically generate the report for swing cut end points in submodel SCR2 (as example) sections based on these data.
Keywords: Parameter
report
final boiling point
FVT
process parameters
References: None
|
Problem Statement: In Weight-based model, all the material balances are tracked by WBALxxx row (where xxx is the 3-character stream tag). If the product's price given in table SELL is in Volume-base, hypothetically, PIMS needs the SPG value to convert the weight-base product stream into volume base. Then the unit $/BBL (price from SELL) * the unit of BBL/day (converted from weight base by TON/DAY divided by (SPG * VTW) = the unit of $/DAY, will contribute to the objective function row.
However, PIMS does not recurse the blend product properties, how does PIMS work around the above situation?
|
Solution: There are two scenarios here. When the product is a
1. blending product
When PIMS creating blending product property specification rows (Nprp, or Xprp), all those rows are in Volume-base. Therefore the blending product is calculated in Volume-base. That is why there no recursion for SPG is needed in this case.
However, a weight-base value for blending product is also calculated by default.
2. non-blending product
In this case, the SPG for that product is needed. The SPG property can be obtained by recursing or by property tables. Please refer to theSolution 122064 'How are properties defined in Aspen PIMS and which tables are used for that purpose'
Keywords: property
properties
SPG
recurse
weight-base
volume-base
SELL
References: None
|
Problem Statement: The main convergence criteria in XNLP are the Residual Convergence Function and the Objective Convergence Function. When both values are below the tolerance, the solver should stop iterating.
However, in some cases this does not happen, i.e. the solver continues iterating and eventually converges in more iterations or it might even not solve.
What is the reason for this behavior?
|
Solution: There is an additional criteria for a model to be converged which is the active step bounds criteria.
This information can be retrieved from the XSLP_Control.log file, which is like an extended Execution log with additional information on each iteration. This file will be generated at every run and can be found in the model folder.
As an example, the execution log below shows that both the Residual Convergence Function and the Objective Convergence Function are below the tolerances after iteration 10, however it continues to solve.
This is the information shown in the XSLP_Control.log for the same run.
After iteration 10, it will run another iteration with all the feasibility structures removed, to check whether the problem solves and the convergence functions remain below the tolerances.
In this case, the following message is shown after iteration 11 (which is converged under the other two criteria):
*** Convergence delayed due to active step bounds ...
Therefore, it will continue solving until this message is gone and the other two convergence criteria are met, which is achieved in iteration 24.
Keywords: Convergence Criteria
XSLP_Control.log
References: None
|
Problem Statement: The regular Process Unit report obtained from the Full
|
Solution: report shows feeds, yields, capacities, utilities and PRows. However the properties of the streams involved in the unit are not reported, and there is no easy way to link this information other than looking up one stream at a time in the Stream Property Section or in the PRMAP.xls report.
How can you get such a report?Solution
The attached Report Writer templates includes the properties for all the streams that are either a feed or a yield in the unit in addition to the feeds, yields, capacities, utilities and PRows.
It can be run for one Process Unit at a time, which has to be indicated at the start of the run.
Note: You need to have Aspen Report Writer installed in your machine to use this report. Starting with Aspen PIMS 2006 it comes included in the standard license.
Use of the report
Copy the attached Report Writer Template (.xlt file) to the model folder.
Open Excel, go to the Report Writer AspenRpt menu and select Run.
Browse to the model folder and select the template.
You will be prompted to write the 4-character Tag of the Submodel that you are evaluating, e.g. SCD1. The name must match an existing unit in the model.
Once you click OK, you will be prompted to select the Results.mdb, if it is not the right one, browse to the intended database.
Results
The report will show the feeds, yields, capacities, utilities, PRows and properties information for the selected unit. If multiples Cases and/or periods are available in the Results.mdb database, it will display them across the page.
The properties section of this report is shown in the screenshot below.
Keywords: Properties
Property
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can you use the CARB Phase 4 (Amended CARB 3) Predictive Model in Aspen PIMS for blending specifications of reformulated gasolines?
|
Solution: From PIMS 17.1.12 on, to invoke the CARB Phase 4 (Amended CARB 3) Predictive Model in Aspen PIMS, in table BLNSPEC you can use TPYEs 12 and 13 (under column TYPE), as indicated below:
TYPE 12: indicates that the blend is for CARBOB2 with amended CARB 3 model for RVP controlled months (summer).
TYPE 13: indicates that the blend is for CARBOB2 with amended CARB3 model for non RVP controlled months (winter).
Aspen PIMS version 7.1 (to be released around January 2009) will also allow for TYPE 14.
TYPE 14: indicates the blend is for CARBOB2 with amended CARB 3 model for RVP controlled months (summer), with hydrocarbon evaporative model turned off. The user need to set the RVP limit to 7.0 manually.
Aspen PIMS will automatically invoke the necessary equations from table ABML, which includes the necessary changes for these TYPES. Up to version 7.1 of Aspen PIMS, the Draft predictive model used is from May 2008, version 7.1 will include the latest update of the predictive model.
Keywords: CARB
CARBOB2
BLNSPEC
Reformulated Gasolines
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How do SCALE, MIN, MAX, ATOL and RTOL in Table SCALE affect recursion? Do I need to scale ATOL and RTOL accordingly after scaling a property?
|
Solution: 1. SCALE in Table SCALE is used by the optimizer to scale a quality in the matrix, while the other columns in Table SCALE are used to constrain recursion. You don't scale MIN, MAX, ATOL and RTOL when you scale a quality. In fact the current version of the optimizer automatically scales the rows so the SCALE option is not needed unless the quality coefficients are so small that they are smaller than SMALL as defined in the Tolerance tab of the General Model Settings dialog box.
2. ATOL and RTOL (absolute and relative tolerance) in Table SCALE supersede ATOL and RTOL in Model Settings | Recursion | Tolerance tab. These are property-specific tolerances.
The MIN and MAX columns in Table SCALE supersede the quality range estimated by Aspen PIMS. They are hard bounds. The resultant quality range is reported in the Recursed Property Range Report of the Validation Summary report. When the MIN or MAX bound for a quality is exceeded, the Distributive Recursion algorithm will reset the quality value to the MIN or MAX bound. A message is printed to the Iteration Log, stating that the quality value is limited by the MIN or MAX value. If the quality value remains limited by the bounds atSolution, the activity of the error vector may be nonzero. You can read more about how to resolve this situation inSolution 12847: How do I eliminate the message Some Recursed Qualities Limited by MIN/MAX Values?
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Assume user uses SLM Configuration Wizard to configure a server license, and everything is correctly connected. SLM License profiler shows the license on the server is a valid license. However, when the user tries to run PIMS applications, a window pops up, says cannot load license.
|
Solution: This could happen when SLM versions are mismatch between the server and the local machine. Make sure the SLM version in the local machine is the same as the SLM version installed on the server machine.
Keywords: SLM version
License
Server license
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How many external tasks can be created within Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager?
|
Solution: The InfoPlus.21 Manager will only display 256 tasks, however it is possible to create more than 256 tasks.
Due to the limitation of only 256 tasks it will only ever be possible to visualize the first 256 tasks, and only those first 256 tasks will run.
AspenTech therefore recommends you only create a maximum of 256 tasks.
Keywords: Max External Tasks
External Task
InfoPlus.21 Manager
References: None
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Problem Statement: How to remove database and record level security from an Aspen InfoPlus.21 application?
|
Solution: Often times customers need to remove the security implemented in their Aspen InfoPlus.21 application
Depending on the level of security implemented, Database or Record there are a few steps to follow to accomplish this.
First, did you implement record level security?
If you did:- Do you know which records you applied record level security?
If you do, then in the Aspen IP.21 Administrator tool go to the individual records and remove the roles for these records first.
If you don't know which records you applied record level security, then in Aspen IP.21 Administrator tool add a new role for Everyone in the system and give this new role all privileges, this way you ensure everybody will bypass the record level security and will be able to read and update the database.
If there was no record level security implemented, then in the Aspen IP.21 Administrator tool remove the roles from the Permission tab, AND in the Default Record Permission tab make sure you check all the items in the tab, Read, Write General, Write Restricted, Write System, Delete, Change Security, Create, Activate.
Keywords: InfoPlus.21 database record permission
References: None
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Problem Statement: When trying to load a snapshot from an older, unsupported version into V7.1, the following error is displayed:
Each version of InfoPlus.21 is validated by our Quality Engineers to successfully upgrade snapshots from all previous supported versions. And even though not specifically tested, even versions immediately preceding the supported versions should work fine. However if the snapshot is from a very old version the V7.1 version may not recognize the snapshot, displaying the above error.
|
Solution: In that case it is necessary to bridge the upgrade, first upgrading from the original version to an intermediate one, and then to the final version. In the example above, a Version 4.x snapshot was first upgraded to Version 2004.2, then successfully to V7.1.
If you have no intermediate version available, contact Support. We have virtual machines for many versions of InfoPlus.21 and may be able to help you past this problem.
Keywords: Unable to load snapshot into memory.
References: None
|
Problem Statement: With an increasing number of AspenTech clients choosing to implement both our InfoPlus.21 and Aspen Advisor
|
Solution: s, the question of whether they can run bothSolutions on the same server arises with more frequency. The installation manuals and release notes for both products provide minimum hardware specifications for running each software, but do not explicitly mention whether the server must have only that AspenTech product running on it.Solution
It is highly recommended by AspenTech that Aspen Advisor and InfoPlus.21 are run on their own separate servers. While a server running Aspen Advisor may not have a consistently high resource load, there are times during the operation of Advisor that the server may have a significant load for a short period of time, including during data import, data reconciliation and the generation of reports.
Aspen Advisor also requires a relational database package, such as Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle, which may be run on the same server as the Aspen Advisor application, or may be on its own separate server. If the relational database is running on the Aspen Advisor server , then normal database maintenance of the Aspen Advisor database may also interfere with the server resource availability required for InfoPlus.21.
It has always been the policy of AspenTech support and engineering services to recommend that the InfoPlus.21 server not have any other software running on it, except what is absolutely required for the running of InfoPlus.21 and its layered products (Aspen Calc, Aspen Process Explorer, etc.). InfoPlus.21 systems require a high degree of availability and robustness. Installing additional software on an InfoPlus.21 server, including Aspen Advisor, may cause resource loading problems on the server, thus leading to instability and/or data loss.
Keywords: InfoPlus.21
Aspen Advisor
server hardware
References: None
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Problem Statement: How can I change an external task for a record defined by CompQueryDef?
|
Solution: Records defined by CompQueryDef must be made unusable to allow alteration of the External_Task_Record.
1. In the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator Right-Click on the record defined by CompQueryDef
2. From the context menu select Make Unusable
3. Enter the desired task in the Fixed Area field External_Task_Record
4. Once the desired External_Task_Record has been selected the record can be made Usable from the context menu.
Keywords: CompQueryDef;
External_Task_Record;
Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator;
References: None
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Problem Statement: When getting ready to do an upgrade of Aspen InfoPlus.21 components, which components need to be upgraded at the same time? For example, when upgrading Aspen InfoPlus.21 and Aspen Web.21 servers to version 2006.5, can you continue using clients with version 2004.2 while you upgrade them to version 2006.5?
|
Solution: You can upgrade Aspen server components, Aspen InfoPlus.21, Aspen Web.21 and Aspen Data Source Architecture on the server and continue using v2004.2 clients. Clients connecting to the upgraded Aspen Web21 server will be prompted to download new versions of the Web.21 components..
The key thing is to upgrade all AspenTech products on the server at the same time.
Keywords: None
References: None
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Problem Statement: The process to change the maximum point count in a InfoPlus.21 server running in a clustered environment is different process that when running out of a cluster. This knowledge base article describes how to change the maximum point count within a cluster. The maximum point count for an individual database can be seen by examining the Record Utilization tab for the database in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator as shown in knowledge base article 123268.
|
Solution: 1. Open the Microsoft Cluster Manager.
2. Navigate to the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Resource.
3. Take the resource offline.
4. The Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service is not affected and should still be running.
5. Open the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator, then right-click on the database node and select Set Point Count.
6. From the Microsoft Cluster Manager, select the Aspen InfoPlus.21 application, then click Bring this service or application online.
7. Aspen InfoPlus.21 should return to the running state.
Keywords: Cluster
Maximum Point count
Record utilization.
License server.
References: None
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Problem Statement: What is the range of values can be input into a standard IP_DiscreteDef record?
|
Solution: Aspen InfoPlus.21 stores the value as a 32 bit signed integer. As such, the range of values is goes from -2,147,483,648 to +2,147,483,647.
Keywords: Infoplus.21
Range
IP_DiscreteDef
References: None
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Problem Statement: The online 'help' files for the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager, regarding Replication, describes an option to allow a replicated record to use a different history repository to the one that is used for the original record.
For example, the record on the Publishing system may be using TSK_DHIS, whereas we may want to use a repository called TSK_DHIS1 on the Subscribing system.
The procedure description in the online 'help' files includes the comment :-
... the administrator must use the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Engineering Console (ENGCON) to edit the DiskHistoryDef record and establish the centralized repository name in the IP_TARGET_REPOSITORY field...
Now in fact, a user is not limited to just Engcon and we do realize that many users are unfamiliar with Engcon. Therefore a more familiar method for most users would be to use Aspen SQLplus for this procedure.
This article gives examples of using Engcon, but before that we will show examples of using SQLplus to change the required field for this issue.
|
Solution: 1) Using Aspen SQLplus
Using the example above, where the Publisher's repository is TSK_DHIS and the Subscriber's repository is TSK_DHIS1, then the query would be:-
UPDATE DiskHistoryDef
SET IP_TARGET_REPOSITORY = 'TSK_DHIS1'
WHERE NAME like 'TSK_DHIS';
2) Using Engcon
First of all, how to get to Aspen InfoPlus.21 Engineering Console (ENGCON) :-
Start | Programs | AspenTech | Aspen Manufacturing Suite | Aspen InfoPlus.21 | Engineering Console
Next remember that this is an OLD DOS application - KEYBOARD ONLY (put away your mouse !!!! )
Use the U P/ DOWN 'Arrow' Keys and/or PageUp / PageDown keys to highlight something and then press 'ENTER'
Use the 'Esc' key to back-up one level at a time
When the GUI appears highlight General Record Maintenance line and press 'Enter'
At the next screen, highlight the 'Record name' field, press, Enter, type the name of the Repository on the Publisher where you want to modify the IP_Target_Repository (e.g. TSK_DHIS), press Enter again.
Using the Up arrow key move to View and press Enter
Use page down to page-2 to be able to see the field IP_TARGET_REPOSITORY field
Use the Up/Down arrow buttons to get to that field and press the ENTER Key
Type the name of the Repository (e.g. TSK_DHIS1 ) that you want to use on the Subscriber system.
Hit Enter again so that the field is populated with the other Repository name
Use the ESC key several times to get to the main menu, and when prompted, enter 'E' to get completely out of Engcon
You are now ready to move on....
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: How to set the execution time / frequency for a Query Definition Records, in Aspen InfoPus21?
|
Solution: This article describes the procedure to set the Schedule_Time and Reschedule_Interval for a Query Definition records in Aspen InfoPlus21.
For any record in query definition, the sequence to set execution time is -
a. Specify the reschedule interval first
b. After reschedule interval is set, specify the schedule time
The reschedule interval will be 24 hours (for example) and schedule time when the query needs to be run.
Example - The query runs at 8 am every morning. Then, 8am will be schedule time
In this scenario, considering reschedule interval is 24 hours, the execution time for the query needs to be set as below:
Set the Reschedule_Interval to 24:00:00.0 and the Scehdule_Time to 08:00:00
so schedule time becomes 30-Dec-16 08:00:00.0
The above set time will execute the query at 08 am and will rerun every 24 hours.
Keywords: Schedule time
Reschedule interval
Query record
Query definition
References: None
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Problem Statement: After installing PIMS, when I try to open the application, I get the following error message:
Unable to load SLM licensing component.
Please verify that the STRGXI2.DLL file has been properly installed and registered. This is normally done by the install.
How can I solve this?
|
Solution: Un-register and re-register STRGXI2.dll with these steps:
1. Go to Start | Run
2. Type: regsvr32 -u C:\Program Files\Common Files\Hyprotech\Shared\STRGXI2.dll. Click OK.
3. Type: regsvr32 C:\Program Files\Common Files\Hyprotech\Shared\STRGXI2.dll. Click OK.
Make sure you get the message DllRegisterServer in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Hyprotech\Shared\STRGXI2.dll succeeded.
Keywords: license error
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is the equation PIMS uses for the ABML Vapor Lock Index correlation?
|
Solution: The equation for PIMS is:
VLI = 10 * RVP + 7 * E70
where:
RVP = vapor pressure in kPa
E70 = % off at 70 C
This generates VLI values around 1000. Some users prefer the VLI to be an order of magnitude smaller (around 100) than what is generated by the equation above (around 1000). If this is the case, then you can use column SCALE in Table ABML to scale down the RVP and E70 before they are used in the correlation.
If your RVP is in psi, you can use column SCALE in Table ABML to convert to kPa before it is used in the ABML correlation
Keywords: VLI
vapor lock
ABML
References: None
|
Problem Statement: An InfoPlus.21 system can have one or more History Repositories. If you look in the Windows Task Manager after the database has been started up and click on the processes tab you should several processes whose image name begins with the characters H21. You should always see a single instance of h21task.exe, and an instance of h21archive.exe for each repository that started correctly. For example, if you have 8 repositories that get started with your IP.21 system, your Windows Task Manager would show:
1 Instance of h21task.exe
8 Instances of h21archive.exe
So how does an administrator tie an instance of h21archive.exe with its related repository?
|
Solution: In the . . . AspenTech\InfoPlus.21\c21\bin . . . directory there is a utility called c21_win_dump. If you run that utility from a DOS prompt you will see output that includes a listing similar to that below. The key column is the SYSPID. The number in this list matches the PID column seen in the Windows Task Manager.
OUTPUT FROM UTILITY:
=====================
Processes:
ID SYSPID NAME
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: When troubleshooting or documenting a model, it is desirable to check the Model Settings to see if any of them have been changed from the default values.
|
Solution: A new feature was added in PIMS 17.1.7 and higher that allows PIMS to provide a quick summary of the model settings which differ from the default values. This allows easy review of the information. To access this, right click on MODEL SETTINGS on the PIMS model tree and select Non-Default Settings as shown below:
This will open a dialog box. The columns provide the setting name, the section and tab location, its current value, and the default value. This allows the user to quickly review which settings have been modified and determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
.
Keywords: setting
default
References: None
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Problem Statement: Assume there are n component streams in the pool, how can I depool those n component streams?
|
Solution: To depool n component streams, which means there are n unknown variables, so there are n equations needed to solve the problem. There are two ways in PIMS to do it.
1. recurse n-1 component streams + 1 total material balance
* Table depooling structure 1
* Depool model for stream AAA
*
TEXT
AAA
AA1
AA2
?
AAn
VBALAAA
stream AAA
1
VBALAA1
component stream AA1
-1
VBALAA2
component stream AA2
-1
?
VBALAAn
component stream AAn
-1
*
EBALAAA
mix stream AAA
-1
1
1
1
1
* no need for EBALAA1
-999
100
EAA2SAA
AA2 in AAA
-999
100
?
EBALAAn
AAn in AAA
-999
100
*
* note: composition unit in %
2. recurse all the component streams, and in table SCALE, define column COMP to ensure the the components are normalized into 1.0 or 100.
* Table depooling structure 2
* Depool model for stream AAA
*
TEXT
AAA
AA1
AA2
?
AAn
VBALAAA
stream AAA
1
VBALAA1
component stream AA1
-1
VBALAA2
component stream AA2
-1
?
VBALAAn
component stream AAn
-1
*
* no need for EBALAAA
-1
1
1
1
1
EBALAA1
AA1 in AAA
-999
100
EAA2SAA
AA2 in AAA
-999
100
?
EBALAAn
AAn in AAA
-999
100
*
* note: composition unit in %
*Table SCALE
*
TEXT
COMP
AA1
component stream AA1
1
AA2
component stream AA2
1
?
AAn
component stream AAn
1
Keywords: Depool
Components
streams
SCALE
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Within the list of defined tasks in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager are several that use the same executable.
That executable is %SETCIMCODE%\infoplus21_api_server.exe
These tasks are commonly known as the API tasks and include:
TSK_APEX_SERVER
TSK_ADMIN_SERVER
TSK_EXCEL_SERVER
TSK_DEFAULT_SERVER
TSK_ORIG_SERVER
Situations have been seen where ALL of these API tasks crash upon startup, and will not stay running if an attempt is made to restart them.
|
Solution: In just about every case, the cause has been that an Aspen InfoPlus.21 server patch has been installed against the wrong version of Aspen InfoPlus.21
The most common combination is that the 2004.1 InfoPlus.21 Server patch has been applied to v2004.0 of InfoPlus.21.
If you are in this situation then you will need to 'undo' the installation of the patch as follows :
1) Look in the Release Notes for the patch to see the list of files that it installed.
2) Using Windows Explorer, search for each file, one by one. In the same directory you will find the original file renamed with a 'PRE' as part of the rename. These will allow you to put back the original files with their original names.
SPECIAL NOTE: Just as with the original installation, some of the files may be locked by Windows Services that are still running. So be sure to stop any Service related to AspenTech before trying to replace files.
Keywords:
References: None
|
Problem Statement: The % Full column in the InfoPlus.21 Administrator is 0.00 for all file sets in all repositories. All other history functions are working (queue state is normal, data is going to history, etc.)
|
Solution: The problem occurs when not all tasks are started in the InfoPlus.21 Manager, or when they are started out of order. While the exact steps that led up to this problem are unknown, once all appropriate tasks were confirmed to NOT have the Skip during startup box checked, and the tasks were listed in the correct order, restarting InfoPlus.21 resolved the problem.
The correct order of the first several tasks:
TSK_C21_WIN_INIT
TSK_H21_INIT
TSK_H21_ARCCK
TSK_H21_MNTTAB
TSK_H21_PRIME
TSK_DBCLOCK
loaddb
===
UPDATE: Although not part of the first seven critical tasks, please ensure that TSK_H21T is *NOT* set to be skipped at startup. This has been proven to create 0.00 for the '% Full' entries for the Historian in the InfoPlus.21 Administrator.
Keywords: zero
percent
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Which port is used to connect to the Aspen InfoPlus.21 UA Server?
|
Solution: The TCP listening port used for the Aspen InfoPlus.21 UA Server is 63500. The OPC UA Client application may discover the Aspen InfoPlus.21 UA Server without the need to specify the port. However if the connection fails verify that ports 63500 and 63501 are open across any firewall.
Keywords: None
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Some customers, due to strict security considerations, may want to use InfoPlus.21 command line utilities over a secure connection, such as SSH. Can this be done?
|
Solution: Yes. You can run command line utilities such as engcon, h21admin, etc via a SSH connection.
Testing software used to confirm this: putty as the SSH client, WINSSHD v3.05 SSH Server Evaluation Edition.
Keywords: ssh
SSH
command line
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Access to InfoPlus.21 can be controlled by giving access rights to specific roles that have been defined in the AFW Security Manager. The members of these roles will inherit the access rights granted the role. Rather than making individual users a member of the role, it is possible to make an Active Directory group a member of a role. This would give all users included in the AD group the access rights for the role.
However, if a new user is added to the AD group for a role it has been found that InfoPlus.21 has not recognized the change and will not give the new user access. How can InfoPlus.21 be made to recognize the updated AD group members?
|
Solution: InfoPlus.21 gets the information from a cache that needs to be updated. The default time for automatic updates is 720 minutes (12 hours). You can change this value by going to AFW Tools and updating the entry for RoleCacheAge to a new value in minutes. As this updates the registry you will need to run with a userid that has that authority. After making the change restart the AFW Security Client Service on the server to use the new value. Once the cache has been updated the new AD group members will be recognized by InfoPlus.21.
Keywords: RoleCacheAge
Active Directory
InfoPlus.21
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Sometimes IP.21 does not start up properly when using the autostart (Startup@boot) feature. In the Event Viewer''s Application log, there may be the following error message: Event ID 4377 - Error during auto start of InfoPlus.21. Shared memory is not created in the allowed time limit.
When NT is first started, two Aspen services will run: AuthWrapperSvc and AtLocalAfwTrusteeServer. Each service attempts to load security information into memory, such as the list of Roles. This information is cached in some encrypted XML (text) files in the directory, c:\Program Files\AspenTech\Working Folders\AFW. The problem is that both services are trying to open the XML files simultaneously, and unfortunately, they are trying to open it in shared mode. This causes a failure which is not reported back up the chain.
|
Solution: Add W3SVC dependency to the AtLocalAfwTrusteeServer service.
To do this for Win NT machines:
Run Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Services -> AtLocalAfwTrusteeServer
Double-click on DependOnService to amend the settings
You should see something similar to 52 50 43 53 53 00 in the left column, and RPCSS. in the right column
You need to change from RPCSS. to RPCSS..W3SVC...
To do this, go to the right hand column and after RPCSS. type in ..W3SVC...
In the left hand column, change all 2E into 00 by highlighting each 2E and typing 0
Now, you should see 52 50 43 53 53 00 00 57 33 53 56 43 00 00 00 in the left column, and RPCSS..W3SVC... on the right
Click OK, close Regedit and reboot
To do this for Win 2000 machines:
Run Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Services -> AtLocalAfwTrusteeServer
Double-click on DependOnService to amend the settings
You should see something similar to 52 00 50 00 43 00 53 00 53 00 in the left column, and R.P.C.S.S. in the right column
You need to change from R.P.C.S.S. to R.P.C.S.S...W.3.S.V.C...
To do this, go to the right hand column and after R.P.C.S.S. type in ..W.3.S.V.C...
In the left hand column, change all 2E into 00 by highlighting each 2E and typing 0
Now, you should see 52 00 50 00 43 00 53 00 53 00 00 00 57 00 33 00 53 00 56 00 43 00 00 00 in the left column, and R.P.C.S.S...W.3.S.V.C... on the right
Click OK, close Regedit and reboot
In Win 2000, when you view the Properties of the AtLocalAfwTrusteeServer service, under Dependencies, you should see that the service depends on the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and World Wide Web Publishing Service.
Now IP.21 should be able to automatically startup successfully whenever you reboot your IP.21 server.
Keywords: Startup@boot
autostart
shared memory
References: None
|
Problem Statement: Aspen InfoPlus.21 version 2006 introduces a Health Manager that uses a runtime license. This new license is not automatically sent to customers when requesting an upgrade to version 2006. The symptom is that if you don't have the license, the new external health monitor task will not run.
|
Solution: When requesting an upgrade to v2006 on the support web site, request a new license with the shipment. If you already have the v2006 media you must request a new license using the support website's upgrade/licenses request page:
http://support.aspentech.com/webteamasp/My/FrameDef.asp?/webteamasp/LicenseKeys.asp
Keywords:
References: None
|
Problem Statement: What is the maximum number of repositories allowed per Aspen InfoPlus.21 database?
|
Solution: The maximum number of repositories is generally considered to be 32, but other factors should be taken into consideration as well. The aforementioned number of repositories is not documented in manuals or help files, but rather it is derived from testing and practical considerations as a single database containing up to 32 repositories would provide a theoretical maximum online data storage of 16 terabytes (TB).
Theoretically, the maximum number of repositories could be much higher than 32 since no specific limit is hard coded into Aspen InfoPlus.21. However, for each repository there is one archive process, and with a high number of repositories one is going to run into CPU resource issues. Therefore, the maximum number of repositories is ultimately dependent on the hardware resources such as CPU speed and the amount of RAM as well as the number of tags in the database and their scan rate.
Keywords:
References: None
|
Problem Statement: In Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager, when using the menu Restore Group Configuration getting an error: Error reading group, media is write protected.
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Solution: The error indicates that the registry is not getting updated when running the Restore Group Configuration because the account trying to run the Restore Group Configuration command does not able permission to update the registry.
Login to the system as the account listed under the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task service, which should be the same account listed under the SYSTEM tab in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator for the database and run the command again.
Keywords: None
References: None
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