question stringlengths 19 6.88k | answer stringlengths 38 33.3k |
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Problem Statement: no licenses available when trying to start a controller.
Asplmd.log reports that all of the available licenses have been assigned. | Solution: Stop the License Manager, go to the License Manager Control program,
Start / Programs / License Manager 2.2 / License Server Control Program, stop the service, go to settings and reset the Start time to 0.
Start the License Manager and then re-start the controllers. The re-start of the controllers will free u... |
Problem Statement: How do I configure actuator fail open, fail shut and fail hold options in a control valve? | Solution: The valve actual fail options are available in the Actuator page under the Dynamics tab as shown below.
In the event that the signal from the controller is cut off from the valve, the valve becomes wide open. In Aspen HYSYS, when the Fail Open radio button is selected, the valve modifies the signal received a... |
Problem Statement: Converting a DMC application to a DMCplus application. | Solution: This is a utility to help in converting a DMC application to a DMCplus application.
Basically... get a PRT file from the DMC application and with the mdl file, use Build to create a DMCplus CCF file. In Build set the correct number of Feedforward variables. Run the PRTUPDATE and enter the name of the PRT file... |
Problem Statement: A corrupt bin file that has a bad creation time in the header will not extract. It would generate an access violation when it tries to generate the begin time for the extraction. This fix bypasses the offending code and prompts for the begin time.....The new extract will be delivered with AMS 70 . | Solution: Download the Extract70.zip file attached to thisSolution.
Move to the extract.exe to the aconline/bin directory where the current extract.exe file resides. You may want to rename the current extract.exe to something like extractold.exe to that it can be used in the event the new extract.exe has any problems.
... |
Problem Statement: Not all processes appear to be starting as noted in installation documentation. | Solution: The Autostartlist.txt gets updated as Advanced Control software is installed. If this does not occur properly, the result can be that some required processes are not started. If modifications are required to this file, you will have to perform an acobase_shutdown and then and acobase_startup to invoke the cha... |
Problem Statement: Unable to load controller because of communication failure, but all tests, e.g. cimio_t_api, ping, nslookup, examining logical_devices.def file, services file, etc. seems to indicate that the link is healthy. | Solution: Many times, a CCF or collection will reference a non-default device to collect tag information, which is not accessible by the default server.
When DMCplus validates tags in the controller, it tries to validate these tags from the non-default server. If there is a problem with that server, it generates a comm... |
Problem Statement: [PROBLEM]
The CM50S CIM-IO Server v3.2.3 doesn't behave correctly under CIM-IO Kernel 4.8.
[IMPACT]
This problem is most evident with IP.21, IP-X, SetCIM, and RT-OPT. The problem is not likely to occur with the various DMCplus
clients (View, Collect, Control.)
[SYMPTOM]
When an IoGetDef record is ina... | Solution: ]
Upgrade to Cimio 4.8 engineering release.
[WORKAROUNDS]
The workaround is to install and run the CM50S Server v3.2.3 using CIM-IO Kernel 4.7.1.
[NOTES]
The client can use either Kernel -- 4.7.1 or 4.8. The critical point is that the CM50S server will only function properly using 4.7.1, and will work with th... |
Problem Statement: When DMCplus is turned off at the PCWS, why do the ET's Stay on and RTO stay running? | Solution: Client has two switches on the Production Control Web Server, PCWS, one for ET's and one for DMCplus.
It was observed that when DMCplus is turned off, the ET's stay on , as does the RTO application and the client would like to know why RTO would be on if DMCplus is off?
Development confirmed that DMCplus and ... |
Problem Statement: CIM-IO IBM ACS, LOOPST, AWSCOD | Solution: In order to read LOOPST, the source type CBST must be used. CBST is a mnemonic meaning Control Block Status and corresponds to Loop Status (LOOPST).
DBST should not be used for LOOPST. DBST is a mnemonic meaning Data Block Status or Database Status and it corresponds to the data quality of the tag.
The tagnam... |
Problem Statement: How do I create a strip chart for a variable for all the streams in the simulation? | Solution: In the newer Aspen HYSYS versions (from V8.2) the user can add a variable to a strip chart directly from the stream or for all the streams in the simulation from the Workbook.
For a stream, the user can select the variable, apply right mouse click and then send the variable to strip chart. If the strip chart ... |
Problem Statement: How to solve Failed to connect to database error while updating tank inventory | Solution: While trying to update the Tank Inventory, the following error was encountered.
This error occurs mainly due to the huge size of the database. To solve this error, please follow the below mentioned steps.
1) Open your database file.
2) Go to Table “ORION_MGR_CRDINV_IMPORT”
3) Delete all old data, ... |
Problem Statement: Range Error - CLE Error | Solution: This error is created because the SP, PV and CV limits on the intermediate point were much narrower than on the control point. This is because they are set based on the CCF and the engineer may have made them much tighter than on the original point. Detail both points and then change the range on the intermed... |
Problem Statement: What does the Warning Message: Integration time: For the Breakdown option of the EMotor, a final maximum speed value for the speed vs torque curve must be entered which is equal to the full load speed percent of synchronous speed mean? | Solution: According to this message, when the breakdown option for electric motor is selected, you will have to make sure the largest (last) curve speed value entered is less than the full load speed value.
From the Speed vs Torque curve, you can see the maximum x value under: Compressor | Rating | Electric Motor | Spe... |
Problem Statement: This article describes steady-state trajectory control strategies. | Solution: Although not recommended, Aspen DMCplus external targets--normally a single, steady state target--can be formulated as a desired trajectory through custom calculations or an external program. However, there are several things to consider before implementing such a strategy.
In review, at each execution of the... |
Problem Statement: What is a material pool and how is it used? | Solution: Use Materials Pools to allow for tank pooling.
Once defined, material pools can be added to the Trend List Chart to view and track aggregate information.
For example , if the user Prefer to create a Material Pool, for Diesel group of Tanks, one can add all those Tanks under Material Pool and the procedure i... |
Problem Statement: Installation of Advanced Control Application could not be completed because of the following message found in the asplm.mif file, Could not create special folder 25. This is a microsoft issue. | Solution: Use the patch attached to thisSolution, unzip the file and run the registry file and the missing folder will be created.
Keywords: asplm, installation
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do you avoid dynamic compressor singularity issue in pressure flow matrix? | Solution: In order to solve a compressor in dynamics, generally two specifications should be selected in the Dynamics Specifications group in the Specs page of the Dynamics tab. Attention should be given while selecting specifications which causes complications or singularity in the pressure flow matrix.
Please follow ... |
Problem Statement: How can I Create a Memory Dump for 32bit AspenTech Applications? | Solution: For Orion, MBO and Olefins scheduler, sometimes you may see a dialog showing the reason why the application is crashing.
In order to get more information for the crash, a dump file may be required. Since, APS, MBO and Olefins scheduler are 32-bit applications, a 32-bit dump file may be useful for analyzing th... |
Problem Statement: An application is crashing and not leaving enough troubleshooting information. | Solution: Debugging applications using the Microsoft Debugger
To debug failures where there is insufficient information in the output files, or returned messages, or the program simply aborts without leaving any information, but the failure is not reproducible by AspenTech developers or testers, clients can use the ?... |
Problem Statement: Is there a document available that specifically details to how to configure the App node for use with DMCplus? The focus should be based on the needs of DMCplus and the capabilities of the App node. | Solution: Yes there is a document available. The example used in the document details a configuration of a Honeywell App node. Please down load the attachment to thisSolution titled: Honeywell App Node.doc.
Also seeSolution ID 103189 - DMCplus -Tips and Tricks for the Honeywell App Node
Keywords: appnode, cache, TPN, o... |
Problem Statement: On Microsoft Operating systems, you can start Collect from the command prompt by specifying the command collect and the correct parameters (path to, and name of collection input file).
As an example let's use the collection input file that comes with the demo controller col5x3. Put the input file in ... | Solution: Solution 102680 gives instructions how to utilize the Schedular in a Windows NT system. The technique only works for NT. A similar set of steps can no doubt be devised to utilize the schedular for other Microsoft platforms.
A more generalized alternative is to start the collection task as a background process... |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between Derived and Complex properties in UBML? | Solution: Derived
Derived properties are calculated from other blend properties (Non-component properties). For example, road octane is calculated as the average of RON and MON. EPA and CARB emissions are also derived properties.
Complex
Complex properties are calculated from multiple component properties. For exampl... |
Problem Statement: Where Can information / documentation be found for the CCF Switcher | Solution: Locating the CCFSwitcher documentation.
In windows explorer, navigate to where the DMCplus Desktop applications are installed.
You should find a Utilities folder.
In the Utilities folder, you will find a DMCplus Utilities Help file.
Double clicking on this file will invoke the online help facility for the DMC... |
Problem Statement: AMS6.01 ER4 added the ability to turn off a final output check just prior to writing
MV's to the DCS by declaring a user defined variable, DLSTCHK=1.
For AMS6.01 DLSTCHK must to be defined in the CCF's General section.
For AspenOne 2004.x DLSTCHK must be defined in the CCF's Configuration section... | Solution: To verify whether the DLSTCHK parameter is defined properly (for AMS6.01 only):
1 Create a prt file
2 All user defined variables, including DLSTCHK, should be listed at the very end of this file. If
DLSTCHK is missing, then its probably defined in the Configuration sections and needs to be
moved to the Genera... |
Problem Statement: The messaging and diagnostics text written to composite .log, .err, and
.eng files may fall behind and get out of synchronization with the real-time
execution of the suite. This makes interpretation difficult. | Solution: Limit the maximum number of DMCplus controllers in any single composite tier to
no more then 8. Simply add a new tier group and redefine the controller/tier-group
accordingly.
Keywords: DMCplus Composite
Composite
References: None |
Problem Statement: The strip chart displays valve opening/closing interval of 20 seconds irrespective of user specified actuator linear rate (%/second). | Solution: The strip chart has a default interval sample setting of 20 second. This means that data is recorded on the strip chart at intervals of 20 second. For example a valve has been specified to close in 4 seconds, even though the valve actually closes in 4 seconds the strip chart will record closing time as 20 s... |
Problem Statement: How has the handling of small crude fractions by the crude unit changed between V7.3 and V8.7? | Solution: There is a change in V8.7/V8.8 that impacts how small crude fractions are handled by the Crude Unit. In V7.3.1 crude fractions smaller than 0.005 (0.5%) were ignored, in V8.7 the Crude Tolerance value (the crude composition threshold setting from model settings) from the Config Dialog is used.
Â
While comp... |
Problem Statement: While pooling PROD_SERVICE material pools for product tanks, the trends stop trending while the blends are being made, that is, during the time duration of the event, the trends are flat lines, and they update in the period after the blend event.
In the Dist and FO blending screen, notice that there... | Solution: This is correct behavior for APS. Whenever you have a blend event into the tank, the tank service will automatically be set to the service as that product (which is Jet in this case); it will only be updated by material service event (if the service is different as Jet like in this case test) after the blend ... |
Problem Statement: Controller has been modified and will not load. | Solution: On many occasions the extent of the modifications to a controller and / or model file
will prevent the controller from loading after the changes.
It is recommended to stop the controller, delete the controller, reload it and then restart it.
This process can be successful in removing references to the previou... |
Problem Statement: What change has been made in the way SMC calculations are handled since v7.3? | Solution: It was found that in some cases, calculated results for SMC models were different in PIMS and APS. The cause was that PIMS performs these calculations using double values and APS used float in v7.3. In later versions, APS was modified to also use double values so PIMS and APS have consistent results. Users ... |
Problem Statement: Curve Operations do not work on an Imported model in DMCplus | Solution: The Curve Operations option does not work on an Imported model in DMCplus Model, but the workaround for this is very simple.
TheSolution is to assemble a new model and copy the existing Imported model to the new model. To do this, simply right-click the Models folder under Project Data and select Assemble a N... |
Problem Statement: How do I use the model accuracy interface? | Solution: First of all, there are four different bias available in stream reconciliation:
1. Calc Delta: Using the difference between the average plant and simulated value and add it to the simulated value
2. Calc Avg: Using the average plant value and overwrite the simulated value
3. User Delta: Providing ... |
Problem Statement: How can I coordinate multiple DMCplus controllers? | Solution: The DMCplus Composite Suite allows a user to coordinate multiple DMCplus controllers within an operating unit. DMCplus Composite has been sold as a layered product of DMCplus since DMCplus version 2.0.
The intent of DMCplus Composite is to allow very large unit-wide problems (such as ethylene plants) that are... |
Problem Statement: Will apc applications see a new license server if old server is no longer available? | Solution: Yes, if the server is configured and available to the online server looking for the valid key.
In general, when an APC online application starts up, it looks first to itself for a local, stand along license key in the HyperTech / Shared directory. If it does not find one, it looks to the license servers confi... |
Problem Statement: As blending calculations are done on volume basis in a weight-based model, should the blend event recipes be entered in % weight or % volume? | Solution: From UI, user can define blend event in WGT unit, and with WGT% in recipe. APS will automatically use 0.8 as SPG to convert to VOL when doing blending calculations.
Keywords: Blend Calculations
Blend event
References: None |
Problem Statement: User could not load controller, DMCplus Manage reported too many user entries defined in CCF Section: CALC. | Solution: Replace the existing dmcplusdataentry.xml file with one of the xml files attached to thisSolution.
The only difference in the attached xml files is the amount of extra entries, 750 will provide more than 150.
You should find the dmcplusdataentry.xml file in the ACOnline\cfg directory on the DMcplus machine. Y... |
Problem Statement: Can the valid.err file be deleted when DMCplus is running? This file is helpful but is hard to use when it gets very large. | Solution: Yes, the valid.err file can be renamed or even deleted and a new one will be opened on the next error message.
Keywords: \etc\valid.err
error file
log file
References: None |
Problem Statement: DMCplus Operating Displays (Operator CV display, Operator MV Display, Subcontroller Display, Message History display) always show the first controller of Controller Directory. DMCplus is controlling several units and some consoles should show another controllers information when it is invoked. | Solution: Add following Initial Tag move to DMCPBASE display.
From Tag : C M 3 ( If third controller has to be a default controller) To Tag : L M 11
Keywords: Controller
DMCplus Operating Displays
Controller Directory
Local Tag
Initial Tag Move
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen DMCplus Model 2006
Error when doing Save As with Aspen DMCplus Model 2006 | Solution: Make a copy of your dpp and try Ctrl-Shift-v on the open Model file. Answer 'Yes' and see if this repairs your file.
Keywords: save, model, dmc, error
References: None |
Problem Statement: The situation may arise that a controller can be loaded but will not start. Two techniques can be used to run the controller independently of Manage to gain more information for debugging the problem. | Solution: The controller can be run interactively with error messages written to the screen by using the following command: At a dos prompt, move to the ACONLINE/BIN directory:
$ control
ctlr_name
Y (this is the answer to 'run on-line?')
Stop the controller execution with CTRL-C.
Starting with v1.10, the controller... |
Problem Statement: Aspen DMCplus CLP Issue - Generation of doqp.dat files | Solution: There is a flag (EPSMVPMX) that the user sets to 3 in the CLP.ini to generate these files. Here's the excerpt from Aspen DMCplus helpfile for EPSMVPMX.
Maximum Move Penalty. This entry is used to select and/or tune the steady-state QP algorithm.
To enable the original DMCplus 2.x QP engine, set this value l... |
Problem Statement: How to set up External Targets | Solution: Use the Build application.
Open a CCF file.
Click the OPTIONS box on the toolbar, The button with the hand on it, or go to Tools and Options. Go to the External Targets box on the General page and click Full Use (RTO). Select the ETENB box to Enable External Targets in the Online Controller. Click OK.
Go to t... |
Problem Statement: How do I import integrator parameters such as current time in the Aspen HYSYS spreadsheet? | Solution: The integrator parameters are not accessible in the HYSYS spreadsheet via right mouse-click and Import Variable method. The integrator parameters such as Current Time can be populated in a HYSYS spreadsheet via the Drag and Drop method as described below.
1. Open the HYSYS spreadsheet and then designate t... |
Problem Statement: Do I have to install any Aspen DMCplus Server patch for the new USA DST? | Solution: There are no patches for the Advanced Process Control applications themselves because they use GMT instead of the system clock. However, there is still a need to apply the Microsoft DST patch applicable to your operating system. This allows the time change to happen at the correct time.
NOTE: After installi... |
Problem Statement: This technology tip provides some CCF Switcher usage tips and suggestions. | Solution: The CCFSwitcher executable can be run either as a Windows Task Service, or right from an open DOS Window.
AspenTech suggests that the CCFSwitcher configuration file be tested using the
CCFSwitcher.exe -debug command from an open DOS Window. Each cycle the CCFSwitcher runs, a wealth of information is written... |
Problem Statement: We want to simulate a process/model mismatch in DMCplus Simulate in order to test the performance of a DMCplus controller under the type of real-world conditions that will be seen in an operating plant. | Solution: Three types of advanced simulation capabilities were introduced in DMCplus Simulate 5.0 and remain available in subsequent versions, as follows:
1. Advanced simulation capabilities using gain multipliers
2. Advanced simulation capabilities using different model files
3. Advanced simulation capabilities using ... |
Problem Statement: When is it appropriate to specify an MV as reverse acting in a DMCplus controller or SmartStep tester? | Solution: IREVRS is the manipulated variable reverse action indicator for each MV in an Aspen DMCplus controller or Aspen SmartStep tester. Its possible values are 0 (direct acting: increase setpoint, output increases) and 1 (reverse acting: increase setpoint, output decreases). In general, you should specify IREVRS as... |
Problem Statement: Wanting a list of License keys internal feature numbers to identify client needs with software received. | Solution: Here is a list of all feature numbers with their feature names.
10, ASPEN PLUS,
11, BATCHFRAC,
12, RATEFRAC,
13, BPS,
15, POLYMERS PLUS,
16, B-JAC INTERFACE,
17, Aspen PEP,
30, ASPEN PLUS End User Model,
40, PROPERTIES PLUS,
45, BATCHPLUS,
50, Aspen Pinch,
51, Aspen Split,
55, ADSIM,
56, Aspen Chromatography,... |
Problem Statement: Gain Scaled Cost Tuning Worksheet | Solution: This Excel worksheet has the ability to read a DMCplus model file (*.mdl) and provide insight into the behavior of the steady-state solver. The user must enter the MV costs (CST) and MV cost criteria (LPCRIT). The functionality in this spreadsheet is made available to meet the obligation to the AC&O User's gr... |
Problem Statement: Some clients utilize a DCS for which there is no Aspen DMCplus Build template provided. As a result, they may sometimes have difficulty configuring IO data points. This template is for Emerson Delta-V | Solution: Important: The attached template file is to be understood as an example. Every effort has been made to make it accurate and usable, however, this is an offering procured from Services personnel, and not a product and therefore has not gone through the development and testing process applied to products. Suppo... |
Problem Statement: Use the attached Excel Add-in to aid in DMCplus Model analysis.
Unsupported tool, use at your own risk. | Solution: Excel Add-in v7.5
Keywords: DMCplus, Model, Excel
References: None |
Problem Statement: OpenVMS systems
When it is possible to load a small controller but trying to load a larger controller gives the following message:
Loading controller xyz from CCF xyz1
Scratch OTF allocation failed.
Failure creating context header
CTL: Error Loading Controller
Control load failed for controller: xyz... | Solution:
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Cim-IO 4.7 is built with DECC not VAXC so they no longer include the VAXCRTL.EXE in the TCPIP.OPT file that we link with. This is not a problem for linking control or manage ... but it is a problem for dmcpview_* because the GCS libraries are built using VAXC. | Solution: Need to add the following as last line to CIMIOROOT:[IO]TCPIP.OPT
SYS$SHARE:VAXCRTL.EXE/SHAREABLE
Keywords: DMCplus, CIM-IO, VAX, TCPIP, DECC
References: None |
Problem Statement: GCS error 21 specific to DMCplus View v1.0x.xx. | Solution: GCS error 21 is specific to DMCplus View v1.0x.xx. It occurs on validation of the displays. A possible fix is to send displays that have been validated against the a machine of the target type, i.e., VAX or alpha.
Keywords: GCS, Error 21, DMCplus View, View
References: None |
Problem Statement: What could cause problems opening Excel files within Aspen Petroleum Scheduler (APS) / ORION in the Citrix server? This problem is also characterized by the error messages Windows cannot find FileName.xls. Make sure you typed the name correctly and try again followed by Shell command FileName.xls fai... | Solution: 1. Copy the file locally to the machine and see if the problem persists
2. Check if this happens only if some other user has that file opened
3. Try mapping the network drive rather than directly accessing as \\ and see if that works
Key words
ORION APS unable to open Excel file, Citrix server Excel file, ORI... |
Problem Statement: What is the significance of 'Minimum duration of continuous operation events' option in APS? | Solution: This feature is available from V7.3 onwards; this can be found in Model Settings | Events Default dialog
Continuous operation events can be applied only for unit operations. A unit operation can be assigned to operate in continuous mode by right checking the Continuous Operation option box in the Unit Definit... |
Problem Statement: We don't see how to easily make PCLS0114 generic to handle the AO point on the PM. | Solution: One alternative is to insert a ratio or PID block at the PM on top of the AO block. This will have shed timer and shed mode.
Other sites have handled this with an associated point that provides the information needed to set LOOPST and AWSCOD via the Cim-IO for CM50S smart data types. Extra CL must be used wit... |
Problem Statement: How can I start the ACOMSGSRV process manually without running ACOBASE shutdown and then ACOBASE startup. | Solution: Download the attached Acomsgsrv.Zip file, move the 2.bat files provided into the Program Files \ Common Files \ AspenTech Shared directory.
The AcoMsgSrv_startup.bat and AcoMsgSrv_shutdown.bat can be used to start or stop the ACOMSGSRV process. This process is required for the Dais trader to see the AcoMsgSrv... |
Problem Statement: re-linking View gives 3 undefined symbols:
gethostbyaddr, getpeername, sockets | Solution: For DMCplus 1.04 when Cim-IO 4.7A is installed, the DMCPLUS_LINK.COM file must be modified in 3 places as follows:
Under $VIEW: label under line $! Cim-IO make change as follows:
$ else
$! Cim-IO
$ REALLIB = ,ACODHOME:[lib]'MACHTYPE'_GCSREALS/lib
$ EXTTCPOPT =
$ endif
becomes:
$ else
$! Cim-IO
$ REALLIB = ,A... |
Problem Statement: What version of UCX is required for CIM-IO and DMCplus? | Solution: The requirements for DMCplus 1.04.xx or 1.10.xx and Cim-IO on an OpenVMS platfom using UCX are:
OpenVMS 6.1, 6.2, 7.1 CIM-IO Kernel 4.6b, 4.7.1(preferred) UCX 4.1 with ECO 4 , 6 or 8 or UCX 4.2
Keywords: CIMIO, OpenVMS, UCX, DMCplus
References: None |
Problem Statement: User Blend Model Library (UBML) is a custom built model library. It providesthe user the ability to incorporate user-defined blending correlations into an APS model. The question is how to run APS with a custom built UBML.DLL? | Solution: The steps to follow are,
1. Copy the custom built UBML.DLL to the APS program directory. For example, on Windows XP platform, the program directory is,
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Petroleum Scheduler
2. Run APS from this directory by double clicking the executable file 'ORION.EXE', or from Start ... |
Problem Statement: How does publish daily results work? | Solution: The daily results publisher calculates the daily results and writes them to the database so that they are available for reports. To run daily results publisher, use Simulator | Publish | Publish Daily Results. All results are contained in tables that start with _ (underscore), for example: _STRMS, _TANKS, _RE... |
Problem Statement: When going to the Pipeline Fill screen I can see that all my batches for my crude pipelines are of the same color. How can I correct this so I see differing colors? | Solution: For Crude Pipelines the color of the batch will be the color of the crude that has the most % in the batch.
So in the next screen I see that all my batches are colored blue:
This is because all of the batches have as majority crude, 4TS. In order to change the color of this crude we will need to go to Mo... |
Problem Statement: Why is it that the values in table EV_QUALITIES differ from the SBO dialog? | Solution: The EV_QUALTIES and the AB_BLN_QUALITIES record blend data under different conditions and thus give different values. The help file says that the EV_QUALITIES table stores ‘normalized' header and tank specification data for each quality. The AB_BLN_QUALTIES data come from the SBO dialog box. Now let's consid... |
Problem Statement: The DMCplus controller turns off but the TDC controllers don't shed. | Solution: If the alarms status of the timer and on/off flag points are disabled, then the CL code will not shed the local PID controllers to the specified shed mode. They will time-out on their own at the time specified for each PID. This time is normally 2.5 times the DMCplus controller execution cycle. If it is less ... |
Problem Statement: Under certain conditions, the DMCplus controller could accept a -9999 (Cimio BAD flag) and be used as a valid value for an intermittent variable and base its online calculations on this. This could occur when the analyzer update logic erroneously sets the NEWPV=1 trigger. | Solution: In previous DMCplus versions AspenTechnology stressed the use of vetted logic calculations to trigger an analyzer update (i.e. setting NEWPV=1). Under certain conditions, it was difficult for some users to always guarantee that the correct logic is used. Thus, and additional validation check has been added to... |
Problem Statement: A user is unable to load a product receipt and product shipment event through EIU to an oracle database. The exact same test using Oracle export to Access, and the product event (shipment, receipt) loaded from EIU without a problem. | Solution: If we enter a valid TRAN_MODE in SHIP Via field, then the Product event can be audit successfully. See below the red circle area.
For Oracle, sqlldr is used to import data to database, and we set TRAN_MODE as the last column for importing ORION_MGR_EVENT_IMPORT. If the final field in a given row of your dat... |
Problem Statement: Converting the CCF from CM50S to AppNode / OPC | Solution: Changes to be made to CCF for APP node
Change following line, BLDTEMP in Config section
.BLDTEMP~~~BUILD~~~CH(11)~~~DEFAULT.TCC~~~
to
.BLDTEMP~~~BUILD~~~CH(15)~~~TDC3KAPPWIZ.TCC~~~
Change CNC Device name
.CNCDEV~~~CONSTANT~~~CH(31)~~~IOCM50S~~~
should be changed to
.CNCDEV~~~CONSTANT~~~CH(31)~~~IOHCI~~~
Chang... |
Problem Statement: User can add an executable command with an argument in the 'User Tools' under Tools tab. But what is the syntax in APS or MBO? | Solution: The following screenshot shows the syntax you need to enter. In the 'Executable File' field, enter the executable file name with double quotes around it, then a space, following by the argument.
Keywords: Command
Command line
Execute
argument
User tools
References: None |
Problem Statement: Some entries in the CCF need to be changed from LOCAL to WRITE. The CCF is based on the template which can be modified. How do those changes get applied to the CCF? | Solution: You need to modify the template, update the CCF with the template and run the tag wizard again to substitute the correct tagnames. Here are the steps:
Save and / or copy your CCF before starting to modify.
Using Build, modify the template for the changes that are required. For future moves, you would change... |
Problem Statement: We have determined that installing DMCplus (offlines)
and Aspen IQ Config on the same machine will cause
DMCplus Build to crash when using the calc facility.
The symptom is that clicking on the Add button or any
part of the spreadsheet control in the Calculations -> Equations form of Build causes the... | Solution: To identify which version of the file you have on your system, right-click on the file and select Properties. The following are the version numbers for the SS32X25.OCX installed by each product:
DMCplus Build: 2.5.020
IQ Config: 2.5.025
Our testing shows that IQ Config works with either version of the file. O... |
Problem Statement: How to handle DMCi - Smart DAta Types - MVTOL - DMC2CCF | Solution: DMCi controllers provide a Smart Data Type that has not been implemented yet in DMCplus. This is related to MVTOL and can result in lost moves if the MVTOL value in not manually entered in the new DMCplus CCF. The DMC2CCF utility does not move this value into the new CCF. This is used primarily as a tolerance... |
Problem Statement: How to open an APS units file as a separate instance in Excel 2013 | Solution: There is a concerned setting in Excel for this issue that APS takes care of. In Excel Options -> Advanced Tab -> General Section, there is a setting called “Ignore Other Application that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)”
This setting is toggled by APS through the CONFIG table with the keyword:
EXCEL_IGNORE... |
Problem Statement: How has the behavior of splitters changed with respect to handling negative stream inputs? | Solution: The way that the splitter unit functions has changed in two ways since 8.4. Previously, the algorithm that the program followed while handling a splitter with a negative feed was different
Until 8.4, the output would be both negative and positive flow. The splitter, as of V8.4 will push all of the negative ... |
Problem Statement: In the planning targets interface, where do the start and end dates come from? (These need not be confined to the model horizon) | Solution: These values are not part of any database tables and they come from the user registry:
You can find them as registry keywords “Start Date� and “End Date� in the following path in the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/SOFTWARE/ASPENTECH/ORION SCHEDULING/KPI SCREEN OPTIONS/<Model Name>/ ADMIN/Screen 1
( the l... |
Problem Statement: Which models can be chosen to model a heat exchanger in a Aspen HYSYS Dynamics simulation? | Solution: There are three models available in the Heat Exchanger unit operation (‘Dynamics’ tab, ‘Model’ page):
1-Basic: This model uses an Overall UA factor, which can reflect dependency on the flowrate, if reference values for this variable on the shell and tube side are introduced.
2-Intermediate: This model... |
Problem Statement: If I am undergoing the pipeline conversion wizard, and if there are no PLINV entries for a particular model start date, how does v8.7/v8.8 populate beginning linefills for a crude segment? | Solution: In v8.7/v8.8, we can see the beginning linefill of a crude pipeline from the Events-> Beginning Linefill -> Crudes.
The above dialog box has three major parts:
1. Batch number: There can be multiple batches (material movements) in the pipeline at a time
2. Crude Composition: What makes up this batch
... |
Problem Statement: This message appears when trying to install Excel Integration Utility add-in:
File Interop.orion.dll has different computed hash than specified in manifest.
How can I resolve it? | Solution: Go to the registry, to the key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Excel\Addins\AspenTech.APSMBO.ExcelIntegrationUtilities
Make sure that the Manifest string has the following value:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\ExcelUtilities\AspenTech.APSMBO.ExcelIntegrationUtilities.vsto|vst... |
Problem Statement: How are the tables PL_LOCATION and LOCATIONS used? | Solution: PL_LOCATION:
In v8.7 and beyond, when you create a tank from the Model->tanks window, you see an extra field named “Location”
These are pipeline locations (sources/destinations), which are defined in the “locations” dialog box, which can be found from model->pipeline->locations
Based on the tank's location (a... |
Problem Statement: The HELP facility in the Demand Manager Configured Application (DM CAP) environment can not be viewed in your Citrix Farm. The problem is that Citrix runs as a client application on the various servers in the FARM. As a result, a SYS command cannot be submitted to the server that contains an address ... | Solution: To resolve the problem:
On each server to be accessed in the Farm, create a directory C:\MIMI\ and placed the DMHELP\USEnglish folder in it.
In each (DM CAP), set the HELP entries in FMTFDEF to be C:\DMHELP\ AND C:\DMHELP\%1 respectively.
In the <MLOAD user MACRO for execution at case load time, enter the c... |
Problem Statement: Subcontrollers -
Difference between using one controller with several sub-controllers versus several smaller controllers. Subcontrollers in DMCplus, SONREQ, NGDSUB, Ramp Imbalance | Solution: Subcontrollers --
When asked about the differences between using one controller with several sub-controllers versus several smaller controllers. The best answer is that all constraints are considered at one time in the larger controller.
The sub-controllers are an easy way to logically group variables togethe... |
Problem Statement: Applicable Versions: DMCplus 1.10.01 (fixed in 1.11)
It is reported that simulation won't run with the following in the CCF:
.XFORM~~~XFORM~~~CH(25)~~~SHIFTRATEPOWER 0 10000. 1~~~
It has been confirmed that code for Simulate and Control takes the log of the power term ( 1 above) and aborts.
The user... | Solution:
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Client is running DMCplus controllers on multiple nodes and has another AspenTech database product on one of these nodes. Engineer wants to see all controllers and database information. | Solution: For two controllers on two nodes, it is required that you run two Opcon sessions that have independent desktop short-cuts that point to separate display directories. The displays in each directory must all use the same node. The node configuration from each directory will use the appropriate node.
For one con... |
Problem Statement: What can cause APS with an Oracle database to crash when changing model settings? | Solution: This problem is usually caused by inconsistent naming conventions between APS and Oracle user name / password. For example if the user name is created in capital letters, then the Oracle login should be also in capital letters, otherwise APS may crash on the model settings dialog box.
If APS user name is ADM... |
Problem Statement: In the published tables _STRMS and _ZSTRMS the crude unit feed stream volume varies by a small amount from the scheduled rate. The _ZSTRMS table has the correct volume for all the periods in the day but the _STRMS table shows a volume that is lower. It is always lower and this anomaly only happen... | Solution: In Aspen Petroleum Scheduler (APS), the first 10 seconds are not part of the daily values. This accounts for the difference between the _ZSTREAMS and _STRMS values.
To verify this we can do a percentage difference between the two tables _STRMS and _ZSTRMS for the first day of the simulation period.
For exampl... |
Problem Statement: OpenVMS systems
When it is possible to load a small controller but trying to load a larger controller gives the following message:
Loading controller xyz from CCF xyz1
Scratch OTF allocation failed.
Failure creating context header
CTL: Error Loading Controller
Control load failed for controller: xyz... | Solution:
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is Windows 2003 R2 supported for Advanced Process Control applications | Solution: The following is an explanation of the versions of the Windows 2003 server, confirming that the Windows 2003 R2 is appropriate for versions of Aspen Process Control software prior to version 2006.5. Windows 2003, SP2 is supported on version 2006.5 as well as the previous versions of the 2003 server.
Here is... |
Problem Statement: and | Solution: Standard DMCplus Implementation
In general, implementing DMCplus controllers via a Cim-IO connection to the DCS allows the controller to take advantage of the smart data types in Cim-IO and the controller logic for outputting to PID controllers only when appropriate. Mode-change logic and operator schematics ... |
Problem Statement: What tables are considered as Ancillary Tables in an Aspen Petroleum Scheduler model? | Solution: While archiving an Aspen Petroleum Scheduler model the users has the option to either include or exclude ancillary files as shown in Figure
The Archive Model feature uses the OrionDBGen.mdb to identify whether it is an Ancillary table or not. When the Include ancillary tables option is not checked during the ... |
Problem Statement: Cl link error
Error message from linking the PCLS0115 to sub point. ?INVALID TO INDIRECT THROUGH OFF NODE POINT? | Solution: The SUB point cannot be on a different unit than MAIN, FLAG, and TIMER. Make sure the SUB point is on the same unit as MAIN, FLAG, and TIMER. SUCCESS.
The 1st thought is an MV problem. But we checked the SUB, MAIN, FLAG, and TIMER. We also double checked the UCN in FULL control, PM box in FULL control, MVs co... |
Problem Statement: How to install the v1.3 CIM-IO for OpenDDA, CimDDA | Solution: Here are the instructions and the zip file.
First unzip the file on the PC and transfer the kit_cimdda_1.3.a to the AxM
using a binary file transfer. Place it in a
temporary directory like /tmpdmc then:
Login to the dmc account. Stop all dmcplus controllers and shutdown cimdda
and cimio.
$ $ACODHOME/acod_shut... |
Problem Statement: Standard Named Transform, Piece-Wise Linear, PWLN | Solution: Must be valid transformations across a range that includes eng units plus SSSTEP
The Standard Named Transform, Piece-Wise Linear, must provide valid transformations across a range that includes the engineering limits plus SSSTEP so that the LP can always get valid numbers.
Model Bug (v1.10.04)
In onl\xfm_pwln... |
Problem Statement: In steady state simulations, the Balance operations are a quick, easy way of transferring/duplicating stream conditions from one stream to another whilst maintaining the information link.
However, the Dynamics environment does not allow the Balance object. | Solution: In order to maintain simulation functionality when switching to the Dynamics environment, it is necessary to use an alternative to the Balance object. The Spreadsheet object can accomplish this. Relevant process conditions from the source stream(s) can be imported into spreadsheet and then exported to the sui... |
Problem Statement: GCS is not working with DMCplus 6.0.1 | Solution: GCS is in the process of being replaced by the Production Control WebServer. The dmcpview.exe is provided in the aconline/bin directory, however it is no longer started automatically. Users of GCS should add the following lines to the autostartlist.txt which can be found in the aconline/sys/etc directory.
Use... |
Problem Statement: The DMCplus Bridge may use a slot in the OM's Import Table for each MV in each controller and the DMCplus Bridge sizing guidelines do not discuss how to address this issue.
This can lead to a full Import Table and, therefore, increased broadcast traffic.
Discussion:
The DMCplus Bridge sizing guideli... | Solution:
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Add Custom Params to LCN | Solution: The general process to add custom parameters to the LCN points is to:
Create new tuning CDS packages for the independent and dependent points containing all the custom parameters. Do not add to the existing DMCplus packages so that these remain standard for the next upgrade.
Attach these packages to the corr... |
Problem Statement: Under certain conditions the DMCplus controller would implement controller moves
exceeding MAXMOV by small amounts.
This issue was reported in AMS5.0 and traced to be a combination of selecting internal move accumulation (INTSUM=1), but failing to provide the necessary MV tolerance (MVTOL=0). A logic... | Solution: For AMS6.01, install the Engineering Release2 (Solution 114336).
Keywords: DMCplus
References: None |
Problem Statement: Testing the Cim-IO installation. Reads work AOK, writes don't. Error is facility 17, status return 393322 which means that the AxM doesn't have access to write to the AM side. | Solution: Go to TDC and change parameter to enable AxM to have write access to the AM side.
Use PERFMENU, DATACHNG and enter $PRTSTSnn.$XACCESS where nn is the AxM node number. Change the status from READONLY to READWRIT.
Keywords: DMCplus CIM-IO, AXM
References: None |
Problem Statement: Changes made to CCF configuration section show no apparent affect on re-load. | Solution: Configuration section changes require that the controller be stopped, un-loaded and then loaded and the controller restarted.
Keywords: CCF, reload
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the use of the new WHOLECRUDEPROPS table in v7.3?
How is it different from the old CRDPROPS table?
How does APS use this database table vs the Excel table?
Why do we need the data in both places (actually three places Excel, WHOLECRUDEPROPS, and CRDPROPS)? | Solution: WHOLECRUDEPROPS table is used for the new functionality in V7.3 called Passing ASSAYS into APS. There is a mapping worksheet (Excel Integration Utility template-EIU) with same name that it is required for loading of assay information because it maps crude codes and values from Aspen PIMS to Aspen Petroleum Sc... |
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