question stringlengths 19 6.88k | answer stringlengths 38 33.3k |
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Problem Statement: SQLplus Help file does not make any comment on using nested exception handlers for execution code flow. Nested exception blocks is a supported construct and an example of their usage is shown below. Run the example code to see that the execution path leads from the inner exception block straight to t... | Solution: SQLplus code example:
LOCAL MyErrorCode string;
MyErrorCode = 'MyErrorCode';
WRITE('Starting!!');
BEGIN
write('outer block');
BEGIN
write('inner block');
ERROR MyErrorCode, 'error originally raised in inner block';
EXCEPTION
write('inner exception block: ('||ERROR_CODE||') - '||ERROR_... |
Problem Statement: When opening the Aspen Weigh and Dispense tool you get the message user has insufficient permission. | Solution: The Weigh and Dispense tool configured through Aspen Weigh and Dispense Management website uses the Roles created and configured in the Aspen Framework (AFW).
There are several steps that you will need to take to ensure that a user has access.
1. The account in Active Directory must have the full name a... |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between Paste and Paste as | Solution: In Web Explorer, Paste and Paste as
Keywords: Right-click menu, paste, by Folder, view
References: in Web Explorer? |
Problem Statement: The online-help of Aspen Custom Modeler provides an example for the use of the Results.CopyValues method.
The command shown in the example has the same function as the Advanced Copy dialog available from the Snapshot Management dialog box. That means it requires the specification of a flowsheet objec... | Solution: The required syntax to copy all variable values from a snapshot is:
Simulation.Results.CopyValues aResult, False, True, True, False, True, True, , ~
Keywords: Automation
Results
Snapshot
Copy
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is a project conflict re | Solution: and how do I resolve it?
Solution
It is possible for the master workspace to change after a project has been created from it. Before a project can be committed, any conflicts with its master must be resolved.
If the master has changed, when the Project Management application is accessed in a project it is ind... |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between a linear, explicit, nonlinear and torn group in the block decomposition? | Solution: Decomposition information could be accessed in the All Items pane of the Simulation Explorer --> Diagnostics.
This diagnostic information only becomes available after a simulation is run. If there are structural errors with the simulation this information is not available.
Group Type Description
Linear A line... |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes the Good Only and Suspect Only sampling methods available on the Aspen Process Explorer (APEx) Tag Properties Sampling tab.
Note, prior to APEx V10 the help file did not include a description of these methods of sampling. | Solution: Good Only - Number of good data points in each time interval (only good, no suspect samples).
Suspect Only - Number of suspect data points in each time interval (not good and not bad samples).
Keywords: missing
Suspect samples
Bad samples
References: None |
Problem Statement: Experiments for hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl-alcohol (FA) have been performed in a batch reactor. The composition of FA has been measured at different times. The objective is to use those data to estimate the kinetic parameters.
Composition data: reactor was operated at 3 different temperat... | Solution: The complete example is attached. The attachment also contains step-by-step instructors to set up the estimation case from a starter file.
Keywords: workshop, estimation, kinetics
References: None |
Problem Statement: Experiments for hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl-alcohol (FA) have been performed in a batch reactor. The composition of FA has been measured at different times. The objective is to use those data to estimate the kinetic parameters.
Composition data: reactor was operated at 3 different temperat... | Solution: The complete example is attached. The attachment also contains step-by-step instructors to set up the estimation case from a starter file.
Keywords: workshop, estimation, kinetics
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the recommended method for Water Dew Point Calculation for a Dry Gas Stream in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: Dry gas water content and water dew point are two key product specifications for the dehydration process. Excess water can cause corrosion, pipeline degradation, or hydrate plug. Aspen HYSYS provides method to predict water dew point on the material stream. However, the water dew point calculated for a of dry... |
Problem Statement: An adiabatic plug flow reactor has been used to study the conversion of furfural to furan. The temperature profile along the length has been measured. The objective is to use this information to estimate the kinetic parameters (pre-exponential factor and activation energy).
The green dots show the e... | Solution: The attachment contains theSolution file. We also provide step-by-step instruction to set up the estimation case from the starter files.
The plot below shows the results after the estimation.
Keywords: estimation, PFR, PDE, activation energy
References: None |
Problem Statement: An adiabatic plug flow reactor has been used to study the conversion of furfural to furan. The temperature profile along the length has been measured. The objective is to use this information to estimate the kinetic parameters (pre-exponential factor and activation energy).
The green dots show the e... | Solution: The attachment contains theSolution file. We also provide step-by-step instruction to set up the estimation case from the starter files.
The plot below shows the results after the estimation.
Keywords: estimation, PFR, PDE, activation energy
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why do non condensable gases reduce heat transfer capacity? | Solution: The release of latent energy (change of state) to condensate in the steam components takes place on the heat transfer surface, which is where heat is being transferred due to the temperature difference (steam to the process). The steam component transfer is consuming the latent energy, and the steam is conden... |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Plus V9, for the interactive Binary Analysis there is a new option for pseudo-binary system. What does this calculation do? | Solution: In older versions of Aspen Plus, you had to create a Sensitivity analysis to perform this simple calculation.
Let's say we have 3 components, A, B and E. E is the entrainer component.
For a simple TXY calculation, we vary the mole fraction of xA from 0 to 1, and xB = 1 - xA. The bubble temperature Tb, as well... |
Problem Statement: The business proposition for simulating the dehydration process is to ensure that process objectives can be met while optimizing operating costs and/or CAPEX:
- Optimize dry gas water content to meet product spec
- Optimize required glycol rates to meet product spec at minimum OPEX
- Quantitatively e... | Solution: Users will use the Glycol Dehydration Feature-Set in Aspen HYSYS to make common operations and design decisions. Features in the HYSYS CPA Package include:
Familiar HYSYS Environment
Optimize the entire gas plant in HYSYS
Predict key dehydration targets & emissions
CPA (Cubic-Plus-Association) Package
Based o... |
Problem Statement: After installing Aspen Production Execution Manager for the first time you will have to configure the server to connect to the database. This article describes how this is achieved. | Solution: The AeBRSInstaller must be run if the server has been migrated or installed for first time.
The user running the installer MUST have full domain or full administrator rights or this may cause corruption or failure to configure.
Note: Run the CMD or command prompt as an Administrator by Right Clicking and s... |
Problem Statement: Is there a way in ACCE to zero out the substation cost? We need to have at least the main substation in the Power Distribution section. So, how do I exclude the substation cost for a retro-fit project? | Solution: The cost of the substation can be changed by accessing the options for the substation. Following are the steps:
1. Go to power distribution
2. Right click on the substation to access the options
3. Make the required capacity 0
Keywords: Substation, Power Distribution
References: None |
Problem Statement: Opening a trend plot gets the following error message: Could not create grid control VSFlex7L.ocx. | Solution: The error message indicates a possibility that the VSFlex7L.ocx control is not registered. Please register it by following the steps below:
1. Search for the VSFlex7L.ocx (Start | Find | Files or Folders...); it should be located in the %SystemRoot%\system32 directory
2. Right click on it and sele... |
Problem Statement: It is very useful to package certain calculations within submodels for modularity, easier maintenance and re-usability of code. When modelling partial differential equation systems, distributed variables may need to be used in submodels and they required to be defined in as general way as possible so... | Solution: We describe below the procedure to implement a submodel using distributed variables and we include an example to illustrate its use.
The example used is a modified version of the Heated Slab example included in the Aspen Custom Modeler installation. It was modified to contain a temperature dependent thermal c... |
Problem Statement: When attempting to open a project, I get an access denied error message
How do I open my project and what happened to it? | Solution: When the project is accessed, it opens the initial project information. If these files are missing or corrupted, the project will return an error message of 'Access Denied'.
Many times, when this happens, is when the project is being worked on, or being closed, the closing of the application was terminated un... |
Problem Statement: How to redesign the equipment using the MAWP as the new design pressure? | Solution: Aspen Shell and Tube Mechanical will calculate the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for each component of the vessel. However, the ASME BPVC VIII-1 does not have an explicit procedure to calculate the MAWP for a multi-chambered vessel (i.e. a shell-and-tube heat exchanger) for those components subjec... |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article answers the following question: How can I change the type of a batch characteristic that has already been stored in a relational database? | Solution: There is no easy way to change the type of a characteristic that has already been recorded in the Aspen Production Record Manager (APRM) database short of writing a custom script that would make the change (see experienced users section below). Your best option using the AspenTech client tools provided would ... |
Problem Statement: How does “Pipe length adjustment” specification affect the pipe length calculated by ACCE? | Solution: Pipe length adjustment, accessed in the Area piping specs, is a factor considered to increase or decrease the overall length for every installation pipe calculated in the equipment(s) placed in that area.
Each equipment has a formula to calculate each line reported for it. For example, a trayed tower will hav... |
Problem Statement: The HYSYS workbook is currently unable to report Flow Assurance data (e.g. Erosion Velocity). As a workaround, VBA can be used to access the Pipe Segment results and report it to an MS Excel spreadsheet. | Solution: An MS Excel file is provided. See VBA editor the relevant VBA code. In this case, backdoor variables are used to access the pipe segment properties / results.
Keywords: VBA, Flow Assurance, Erosion Velocity
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to return derivatives from a procedure. | Solution: During the non-linear equations reSolution, the Newton solver needs to evaluate the value of the residuals and the jacobian matrix. This is done analytically for equations implemented using Aspen Custom Modeler language. For the external code implemented in procedures, the user has the option to return deriva... |
Problem Statement: It is possible to generate text files that define the structure of records in an Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP21) database. Such files can be modified in a text editor and read back into the database (or a completely different IP21 database). This | Solution: explains the different options available and the codes used in the files themselves.
Solution
RECSAVE and RECLOAD are utilities accessible in the InfoPlus.21 Administrator tool, which can save and load records in human-readable ASCII text format. The mechanism is useful for:
Mass database population by creat... |
Problem Statement: I need to calculate the specific gravity for the conversion of pump head to pressure. There are several different density data in the HYSYS stream result:
Mass Density
Std. Ideal Liq. Mass Density
Liq. Mass Density (Std. Cond)
Which density should I use? | Solution: To calculate specific gravity (SG) to convert pump head to pressure, you need to consider the real stream condition and mixing effect of different fluids.
Mass Density is calculated rigorously at the flowing conditions of the stream (i.e., at stream temperature and pressure). This includes mixing effects.
... |
Problem Statement: What does the void fraction parameter used for in calculations? | Solution: The pressure drop in a fixed bed is very sensitive to bed void fraction. The void fraction can be controlled by particle size, shape, and method of catalyst loading. A range of particle sizes is not desirable because it results in smaller void fractions and can cause a significant pressure drop. A high void f... |
Problem Statement: The Aspen Production Execution Manager Design | Solution: This Knowledgebase Article exists to document additional flags. Most of these flags are for special use-cases.
About Flags
All user-defined flags will be found in one of the files in the following directory on the server or on a client:
C:\Program Files\Aspentech\AeBRS\cfg_source
In that folder there ... |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Plus, how could I know which databank is used for each component's physical property data? | Solution: To understand which databank is used for each component's property data, you should go to Navigation Pane and click Properties. Then expand Setup, click Report Options, then click the Property tab. Check the box of Property parameters' descriptions, equations and source of data.
Then run your simulation, c... |
Problem Statement: I need to simulate a pipeline with a nonzero initial elevation in Aspen HYSYS. Is it possible to change the reference point for pipe elevation? | Solution: The default initial elevation of a pipe segment is zero. It is not possible to change the reference point for pipe elevation in Aspen HYSYS. HYSYS only allows you to input the elevation change of each pipe segment. For example, I want need to simulate a 5- segment pipeline with an initial elevation of 100 ft:... |
Problem Statement: In MOC (Manufacturing Operations & Control) and the Web client you can change the timeout settings so that the application will time out and require authentication screen to continue. | Solution: The time out settings can be set so that MOC or the Web application will force the user to log back into the application.
1. On the APEM server open the path.M2r_cfg file with Notepad.
This is typically located in: C:\Program files(x86)\AspenTech\AeBRS\cfg_source
2. Look for the flags under INACTIVITY PERIO... |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article shows how to retain the units installed in the Scheduling Table when upgrading from one Aspen Production Record Manager (APRM) version to another and at the same time moving the database from one Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) server to another.
Here is a p... | Solution: Upgrading the database without moving it to a different relational database server maintains the existing units. However, when migrating to another database server you need to export the units as XML files and re-import them into the new system. You will lose execution context in that case.
Below is a worka... |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Process Explorer how can I hide the timeline by default? Normally when you start Process Explorer it includes the timeline at the bottom of the display. This can be turned off by clicking View from the action bar and then unchecking the Global Timeline option. But how could the user autom... | Solution: You can hide the timeline by adding a key to the registry on the user's machine.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Aspentech\Aspen Process Explorer\Workspace]
Add a DWord called TimelineVisible. When this is set to 0 the timeline does not appear at startup. You still have the option to turn this on manually using ... |
Problem Statement: When you load a Golden Batch Profile plot you get the error:
B21BAI-60244:Invalid data source name (servernamexxx) Unspecified error (Ox80004005) | Solution: This error refers to the Aspen Data Source Administrator (ADSA) data source name you have configured for Aspen Process Explorer and the Aspen Production Record Manager.
To resolve this issue check the following:
1. Open the ADSA and ensure that you are have the correct Directory Server.
2. In th... |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides steps to resolve the following error:
Error: Relational Database Error -2147217833: Arithmetic overflow error for data type smallint, value = 32768.
which may be recorded in the Aspen Batch and Event Extractor log. | Solution: Below is an example of the error block from the Aspen Batch and Event Extractor log:
05/11/17 22:52:46 Error : Configuration: PolyABC_ABB has failed 1 time(s)
05/11/17 22:52:46 Error : Error processing configuration: PolyABC_ABB->Config error: ProcessData Result Reader Error while processing table (b21Batc... |
Problem Statement: Diagnostic logging is produced by the Aspen.InfoPlus21_DA Server, but what options are available to configure it? | Solution: The Aspen.InfoPlus21_DA Server provides a sophisticated diagnostic logging system. It can be used to send log messages to one or more destination media, such as to a file, a database table, an email, and so on. The logging behavior is controlled by a configuration file named IP21DaServer.dll.config. The fil... |
Problem Statement: How can I specify specific sets of conditions when running a case study? | Solution: The default configuration for the Case Study tool in Aspen HYSYS uses Nested input to direct calculations. This means that all combinations of variables will be run based on an equal division between the high and low bounds using the specified step size. The figures below show a sample of the setup and result... |
Problem Statement: When opening the Aspen Weigh and Dispense tool you get the error message: No Booth found for workstation WORKSTATION. | Solution: The Weigh and Dispense tool is configured through Aspen Weigh and Dispense Management website.
1. This message can occur if you are trying to access Weigh and Dispense for the first time and do not have a booth configured for the machine you are running on.
2. If this is the first time then open the ... |
Problem Statement: How to control expander inlet guide vane (IGV) in Aspen HYSYS Dynamics? | Solution: If you are using an IGV Curve in your expander and want to control the Current IGV, you can use a PID controller.
Unfortunately, the Current IGV is not a listed variable as Process Variable in the controller. In order to connect this variable to your controller, please use the Spreadsheet operation.
Locate th... |
Problem Statement: I want to know if there is a way to copy/backup the users and roles from a workspace into a new ones without having to create role by role or adding user by user. | Solution: There are two options to back up the list of users and roles in order to use it for new workspaces: Access Control - Aspen Basic Engineering Policy Filename (azpf file), and Privileges.xml file.
· Access Control - azpf file
1. In the Administration tool select the source workspace.
2. From ... |
Problem Statement: How can I change the fluid package of an Aspen HYSYS stream via automation? | Solution: The following VBA code will change a stream's associated fluid package to Basis-2.
The HYSYS.ProcessStream interface contains a FluidPackage property. However, this property only returns the fluid package object that is attached to the stream and does not return the underlying attachment field. Thus, this ca... |
Problem Statement: How can I change the fluid package of an Aspen HYSYS stream via automation? | Solution: The following VBA code will change a stream's associated fluid package to Basis-2.
The HYSYS.ProcessStream interface contains a FluidPackage property. However, this property only returns the fluid package object that is attached to the stream and does not return the underlying attachment field. Thus, this ca... |
Problem Statement: The Simulation Importer is not listed under ABE | Explorer | Tools. How can I resolve this issue? | Solution: If the Simulation Importer is not listed under the Tools menu, then it must be added to ABE | Explorer.
To do so, follow the next steps:
1) Go to Tools | Customize.
2) On the Customize Tools dialog, click on the Add button and then browse to the following location: C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Enginee... |
Problem Statement: How shall a user create additional reports for rate based column calculation? | Solution: Rate Based Technology is a powerful tool for users to analyze the performance of a column with a more rigorous approach. Moreover, users can create additional reports for the calculation beside the normal Profile and Results. To generate those reports, users can go to Rate-Based Modeling folder in RadFac Unit... |
Problem Statement: The MS Excel xlGetFilePathName function is declared as a variant, even though the result is almost always a string. [This function is almost always used to find the name of the Aspen Plus model to open].
Is there a way to use always use a string variable for the results of the xlGetFilePathName Funct... | Solution: The reason the xlGetFilePathName was defined as a variant is that the end-user can cause two types of results - a string variable by selecting a file from the open dialogue OR a value of FALSE (numeric = 0) by hitting the CANCEL button. So, by default, Microsoft set this function as a VARIANT to handle either... |
Problem Statement: Users should be able to access Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP.21) from any client application if the security role that they belong to permits. However, some users cannot access IP.21 from any client application - even though they are a member of an Administrator role and have permissions assigned appropriat... | Solution: Sometimes the IP.21 cache file does not get updated with the current Aspen AFW Security Manager information. Therefore, though the user's role indicates that the user has permission to access the database, the IP.21 cache file is not aware of these permissions.
To verify, log into the IP.21 machine as the ... |
Problem Statement: This is a simplified version of a real application for reactor modelling with ACM.
A structure is used to store the kinetic data.
Structure KinDataStructure
K as realvariable (fixed, 42);
End
A reaction model is then used for the calculation of reaction rates:
Model reaction
kin as external KinDa... | Solution: To provide the same reference in sub-models as in the parent model declare a structure reference in the sub-model, and give the parent reference as an argument to the sub-model instance. For this specific example: two changes are required in the reactor model, as shown below.
Model reactor
kin as external K... |
Problem Statement: I want to increase the length of my installation piping and I want to know if it will increase the fittings quantity. | Solution: Pipe length adjustment will not affect the fittings count of your pipe. This option will only increase or decrease the length of your piping as described in KB number: 000044676
Fittings in the equipment installation piping are preset and defined with the volumetric model or in P&ID diagram. Changing the leng... |
Problem Statement: With the Process Data Add-ins, when referencing a tag name that could also be interpreted as an Excel cell reference (eg. AB123), the following error would be generated:
COM Add-in - Error:Tag name is either empty or referencing empty cell(s).
Legacy Add-in - #ERROR 50110: Invalid Tags
The above exam... | Solution: Solution 1: Adopt the approach used by the Tag Browser drag and drop method and type double quotes around the tag name, this forces Excel to view the tag as a name label rather than a cell reference.
Note, it is important to use double quotes rather than single quotes around a tag name since single quotes wo... |
Problem Statement: Is pipe envelope useful to increase or decrease the length of my equipment installation piping? | Solution: Pipe envelope is an option the software offers in the Area piping specs, to specify a tight arrangement in the equipment installation piping and adjust the pipe length calculated by the volumetric model.
This specification will only be used to shorten the calculated length and not to increase it.
Should you w... |
Problem Statement: How to access the rigorous Coil Wound Heat Exchanger model within Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: The Aspen Coil Wound Heat Exchanger (CWHE) is the newest addition to the Aspen Exchanger Design & Rating (EDR) Family, available since the V9.1 release. Like other Aspen EDR programs, we can integrate the Aspen Coil Wound Heat Exchanger in Aspen HYSYS simulations.
We use the Aspen HYSYS LNG block to model the... |
Problem Statement: How can I use automation to add an internal stream to an Aspen HYSYS column? | Solution: The following VBA code will add an internal stream to a column in Aspen HYSYS. The internal streams will be named testStrm - #, with # representing the number of internal streams that are currently present in the column.
Creating an internal stream requires the use of several BackDoor monikers.
'Assume that... |
Problem Statement: Which volumetric unit set corresponds to which volumetric variable on Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: When you attempt to change the units of volumetric variables, you will notice that the names assigned in the unit set are different from the name of the variables shown in the HYSYS objects (streams, operations, tables, etc.).
The following table states the relationship between the name designated to unit se... |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Petroleum Scheduler,
How to resolve “Failed to create the temporary directories.Please specify a different Local working directory” which results in crashing of APS. | Solution: The Local Working Directory path can be set from the APS Model Settings option. This is the location where the files associated with the current model are saved.
To change the working directory:
1. From the menu bar, click View | Settings to display the Settings dialog box, and then click the User Settings t... |
Problem Statement: How do I modify the fluid package associated to an existing Petroleum Assay? | Solution: When you add a new Petroleum Assay, it is always associated to the default fluid package (i.e. Basis-1).
If you want to associate an existing assay with a different fluid package, go to the Petroleum Assay folder (under properties environment) and display the array in Fluid Package column.
Remember to re-ch... |
Problem Statement: How is the Energy Balance performed for a Heat Exchanger unit operation in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: Aspen HYSYS does not use for the duty calculations, since the Cp value is not constant during the heat transfer process, and moreover, in the case that the involved material streams are at a V-L mixture condition or if there is phase change.
That is the reason why using the equation, users will not mat... |
Problem Statement: How does the Sizeable option affect my pipe calculations in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: In the pipe specification tab, you will see the Sizeable option that will have an effect in the calculations depending on the calculation mode that you are running.
There are three calculation modes in Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA): Design, Rating and Debottlenecking. The key differences between these mo... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to use Aspen SQLplus to access those fields? | Solution: The following queries can be used to access those fields. In these examples IP_AnalogDef is used (please substitute the name of the appropriate definition accordingly):
select * from definitiondef where name like 'ip_analogdef'
select * from definitiondef.1 where name like 'ip_analogdef'
The .1 after defi... |
Problem Statement: On your Aspen InfoPlus.21 server you may notice increased CPU usage for the tsk_server.exe process. In fact, even with InfoPlus.21 in a stopped state, CPU usage continues unchanged. | Solution: Tsk_server.exe is the executable for the Aspen Infoplus.21 Task service. One of its tasks is to verify Infoplus.21 Database security, accessing the IP21AFWCACHE.dat file.
It can happen that the IP21AFWCACHE.dat file is corrupted and this can cause the increased CPU usage. Below are the steps to correct this:
... |
Problem Statement: Which model is being used when a method field is set with 'Model Default'? | Solution: When a field is set with ‘Model Default’, it means that the pipe, relief valve or control valve will use the model selected for such calculation method.
This can be set up on the Calculation Settings Editor. Under the Methods tab, the specified models will be used for all unit operations in the flowsheet unle... |
Problem Statement: How does Aspen HYSYS predict weeping in Column Internals Analysis tool? | Solution: One of the factor affecting column distillation operation is Weeping caused by low vapour flow. The pressure exerted by the vapour is insufficient to hold up the liquid on the tray. Therefore, liquid starts to leak through perforations. If you want to view a video presentation of weeping, please click here.
A... |
Problem Statement: When using the pseudo table, ALL_RECORDS, you can only select those columns that every record in the database contains, those being:
NAME
RECID
DEFINITION
USABLE
ALL_RECORDS can still be used when requiring more useful reporting information for Aspen Infoplus21, for instance a report that will provi... | Solution: Use record indirection using the name field on the ALL_RECORDS pseudo table. This allows you to select any fixed area field of any record in the database. If any record does not contain the appropriate field, SQLplus returns a null value; which shows up by default as a blank or space. (Be aware that SQLplus r... |
Problem Statement: Which is the best property method to use in a system containing acetic acid and water in liquid and vapor phases, taking into account the dimerization of acetic acid in the vapor phase? | Solution: For selecting a suitable property method for this system, we suggest using the Method Assistant that one can open from the Home ribbon, Tools | Method Assistant. Please see the print-screen below.
Through the Method Assistant, one should select the proper options:
From Getting started, please selec... |
Problem Statement: When using VBA/Excel to operate Aspen Plus, occasionally a fatal error in the spawned Aspen Plus session will cause the VBA code to crash also. Is there a way to code the VBA procedures to recover when this occurs? | Solution: Visual Basic and VBA has an 'ON-ERROR' handler that recovers from most types of errors. It is a good idea to trap for errors whenever VBA or VB launches another process, such as Aspen Plus. The ON-ERROR handler can be enabled before the new process is launched, and then disabled as soon as the process is succ... |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between the RadFrac feed stage conventions and when should each convention be used? | Solution: The feed stage convention allows you to specify how the feed stream is introduced into a column. The feed stream conventions are:
Convention
Definition
Above-stage
Feed enters between stages--the liquid goes to the designated stage while the vapor goes to the stage above it (default)
On-stage
Both the liquid ... |
Problem Statement: What is the bracket option within the secant algorithm? | Solution: The secant method is used for converging single design specifications. We can select bracketing option inside it. To specify this ,go to Convergence -> Conv Options -> Methods
It is used whenever a function is discontinuous, non-monotonic, or flat over a region. It will go back to secant method after eliminat... |
Problem Statement: In AORA, When trying to open a report from the AORA reporting tool
How to resolve error, SQL_Error error code: S1000 error message: [Microsoft] [ODBC Microsoft Access Driver]?
(refer screenshot of the error)
The error highlights that the ODBC driver is trying to access a MS Access Model. | Solution: Aspen Operations Accounting Reporter is a standard Windows application that enables you to manage and print multiple reports.
It comes complete with Aspen Operations Accounting's set of standard reports that can be easily printed to a preview window, a printer, or to an external file format.
To select or vie... |
Problem Statement: How do I render all indirect costs to zero in ACCE? | Solution: Users have control over most indirect costs in Aspen Capital Cost Estimator through the contractor form, however, engineering costs are also considered to be indirect costs. Because of this you must first go to Project Basis View | Engineering Workforce | By Phase and enter the info as shown below:
Engineer... |
Problem Statement: Is there a recommended Bromine Number for different feed types when no measurements are available? | Solution: Bromine Number is an indicator of the degree of unsaturation for a specific feed, and it is used to calculate olefin content.
However, measurements are not always available for this input, so estimated values would have to be employed to incorporate them into the characterization process.
In general:
- For a ... |
Problem Statement: Can aspenONE Process Explorer do filtering? That is, can it conditionally display and trend some data and not others? | Solution: Yes - filtering can be achieved by substituting an Ad-Hoc query in place of the tag name.
Once a tag has been added to a plot:
Click the check box to the left of the pen color box:
This will cause a 'Menu Option Flyout' to appear above the legend:
Select the Pencil icon to edit the tag:
On the screen tha... |
Problem Statement: While upgrading/creating the Aspen Production Record Manager (APRM) database using the Aspen Database Wizard if it fails it would be helpful to have a log file for more troubleshooting. This | Solution: provides you with information on where can one find the log file for the Aspen Database Wizard. Solution
1. In V10 the log file for Aspen Database Wizard will be written to:
%ProgramData%\AspenTech\DiagnosticLogs\DatabaseWizard\DatabaseWizard.log
2. In earlier versions the log file will be written to:
%P... |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to recover my changes after Aspen Plus crashes? | Solution: When Aspen Plus crashes, the program tries to save a file called $filename$backup.bk$. When Aspen Plus is re-opened, it should check for a file with this type of name, and there will be a dialog asking if you want to restore the previous run.
Alternatively, this file can be renamed to BKP and opened. If you ... |
Problem Statement: An operator training simulator (OTS) provides a detailed emulation of the operator interface and behavior of a plant and its control system. It consists of a detailed dynamic model connected to actual hardware or software emulations for the operator stations and control; and instructor functionality ... | Solution: This example will leverage a completed model built in Aspen HYSYS Dynamics and OTS Framework for model deployment.
Keywords: Dynamic simulation, dynamics, transient, HYSYS, HYSYS Dynamics, OTS Framework, operator training, model deployment, partitions, OPC
References: None |
Problem Statement: When modelling a reactive distillation column based on a USER-type kinetic subroutine, Aspen Plus may return the following error message:
*** SEVERE ERROR WHILE CHECKING INPUT SPECIFICATIONS
BLOCK NAME: B1 MODEL NAME: RADFRAC
REACTIONS/CHEMISTRY PARAGRAPH: STOIC AND SALT AND DISSOC... | Solution: The cause of this error message is missing input on the User-Define Stoichiometry Sheet. While in principle all input specifications with regards to reactions can be specified within the FORTRAN subroutine, Aspen Plus expects at least one reaction on this sheet.
The advantage of specifying the reaction stoich... |
Problem Statement: The Aspen Properties Excel Calculator gives me an error when I try to open a Property Package.
In Excel, when going to the Aspen Properties Tool bar menu and choosing the Select Property Package to select a property package, there is a VB run time error and making it unable to proceed.
The Visual Bas... | Solution: Sometimes, you may need to re-register some dlls for Aspen Properties since it is using the Aspen Plus version.
To do this, use
Start/Programs/AspenTech/Aspen Engineering Suite/Aspen Properties 10.2/CAPE-OPEN Registry Fixup Utility
Click OK.
Keywords: Aspen Properties, Excel calculator,Property Package, Cape-... |
Problem Statement: Why I’m getting following error while evaluation of project even though I defined the open steel structure as a project component and provided structure tag to all process equipment for the same area? | Solution: In Aspen Capital Cost Estimator when you defined the open steel structure as a project component then make sure that it should be the first component in the component list of the Area level specification. ACCE will evaluate all components in order, and the error comes up when it cannot find the structure whil... |
Problem Statement: What's the command in Excel VBA to reconcile a stream in Aspen Plus? | Solution: The following command will reconcile stream RECYCLE:
Public go_Simulation As HappLS
go_simulation.Tree.Data.Streams.Elements(RECYCLE).Reconcile(1)
-OR-
call go_simulation.Tree.Data.Streams.Elements(RECYCLE).Reconcile(1)
More information on the Reconcile method can be fo... |
Problem Statement: How does one specify the rate of change of a conventional component attribute within a user kinetic routine? | Solution: If you want to express your rate in terms of attributes/sec for a conventional component attribute, a class 2 attribute (CAUSRA through CAUSRE) must be used. Many users will select a class 1 attribute (CAUSR1 through CAUSR5) since they are listed first in the drop down list on the Components.Attr-Comps form. ... |
Problem Statement: What is the Aspen Plus Summary File Toolkit? | Solution: The summary file toolkit is a set of Fortran subroutines that retrieve results information from the Aspen Plus summary file and backup file. (You can use the backup file with results as well).
The subroutines are organized around the logical structure of the data. You can retrieve selected results. Or you can... |
Problem Statement: Some questions on CAPE OPEN. | Solution: Q1:
In the CAPE-OPEN mixnsplit example problem, I specified a different property method on Property Global tab. How can I retrieve specified property method name in CAPE-OPEN compliant unit operation model? Also How I can I say for sure it is using the selected property method rather than some CAPE-OPEN prope... |
Problem Statement: When automating an existing report in SQLplus web-based reporting, what can be done to overcome the following error message when clicking OK on the automation screens:
(Text of error is 'Failed to save automated report') | Solution: When a report is automated a record defined by SQLReportDef is created behind the scenes and is filled out using the automation details provided on the configuration screens (things like when the report will be run, who it goes to if e-mailed, which printer will be used if printed, etc.).
The limit on the le... |
Problem Statement: Can I get information on meaning of symbols that appears on Aspen Plus flowsheet or data browser? | Solution: Status indicators display the completion status for the entire simulation as well as for individual forms and sheets.
The status indicators appear:
Next to sheet names on the tabs of a form
As symbols representing forms in the Data Browser menu tree
On the flowsheet
This table shows the meaning of the symbol... |
Problem Statement: What is the definition of the total, effective and required area and the difference between U clean, U dirty and U service? | Solution: · The total area of the heat exchanger is determined by the PI (3.14) * Tube Outer Diameter * Tube length * Number of tubes * number of shells.
· The effective heat transfer area is the area available for heat transfer (this is also often referred to as the actual area). This is the total area... |
Problem Statement: Can a Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control Data Access (OPC-DA) server for Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP.21) be restricted to read only access for all saved records within the database? | Solution: Data Access (DA) servers do not provide additional security functionality for IP.21. It only simply provides read or write for the values that are being requested from the target source. It does not offer a secure write configuration and does not authenticate the OPC client connection.
Preventing writes to th... |
Problem Statement: How do I simulate the pressure drop of a fluid flowing in the annulus of 2 pipes? | Solution: The Pipe Segment unit operation is not currently designed to directly model this piping geometry. If the fluid being modeled is single phase, the Hydraulic Diameter could be used (for the Inner Diameter input):
where DH - Hydraulic Diameter
Do - Outer Pipe Diameter
... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes it may be necessary to access the database file created for a project to customize reports. This | Solution: document contains information on installing and using SQL Anywhere 5.0 (or 5.5) Runtime. Also contained in this bulletin are step-by-step instructions on making the ODBC connection between an Aspen ICARUS Estimate Results Database (*.IDB file) and Microsoft Access.
Solution
Section I - Installing SQL Anywhere... |
Problem Statement: In AspenTech Business Process Explorer application, How to resolve error BPE Application Creation failed due to VBA Setup problems.hr=0x80040562?
In BPE, after installation while trying to launch a module, it gives the following error stating that that there is a VBA setup problem and the applicatio... | Solution: documents a procedure for recovering from this problem.
Solution
Microsoft VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a required component for Business Process Explorer (BPE) client/serverSolutions.
TheseSolutions are often used within MIMI Model Management Applications.
The Microsoft Installer (MSI) is used to ... |
Problem Statement: How do you configure a pressure relief application? | Solution: Please review the attached Animated Tutorial. After creating a dynamic simulation from Aspen Plus, you can add pressure relief equipment to your simulation from within Aspen Dynamics. You can then simulate various failure scenarios, size and rate the safety equipment and simulate the maximum relief rates and ... |
Problem Statement: In the Drawing Editor, the instrument label only has the d (differential) and - options for the Modifier field. How can I add more options in the Modifier field of the instrument label (i.e. Integrate/Totalizer)? | Solution: The symbol list of the Modifier field is located in eLoopModifier inside the GraphicDefinerBubbles class view. To access this list and modify it, follow these steps:
1. Open the class library file associated with the workspace with the Class Library Editor. If you are using the StandardLibrary, you may ... |
Problem Statement: In some simulations where a very large amount of results from the Results Summary | Streams are generated (i.e.: +300), the copying and pasting process to Microsoft Excel from Aspen Plus of these streams results in Microsoft Excel generating memory issues and crashes due to a capacity issue in the cl... | Solution: In order to avoid this issue, instead of using Copy All option, it is suggested to select and copy a maximum amount of columns of 205, then proceed to paste these into your Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
It does not matter how many components have been reported in the streams results.
Keywords: Copy and paste, ... |
Problem Statement: RadFrac fails with the message that the VAPOR or LIQUID is drying-up on certain stages. | Solution: The error appears when the flow rate of either vapor or liquid on a tray falls below a pre-set limit. This limit is set as a fraction of the sum of the feeds. The default value is 1.0e-5.
So when a stage flow rate falls below
1.0e-5 * SUM(FEED FLOWRATES)
then the error message will appear and convergence will... |
Problem Statement: What is CAPE-OPEN? | Solution: CAPE-OPEN is a cooperation project aimed at defining software interfaces for allowing plug-and-play simulation components for the various process simulators in the market.
AspenTech is a key member of the CAPE-OPEN initiative, being the first simulation vendor having a prototype version of a CAPE-OPEN complia... |
Problem Statement: When using ActiveX automation with Aspen Plus for large simulations, it is critical to retrieve the convergence loop information such as staus (converged, not converged, etc ...) and the type of convergence loop. | Solution: Access the collection of convergence loops and use:
.AttributeValue(HAP_COMPSTATUS) the calculation status
.AttributeValue(HAP_RECORDTYPE) to retrieve the convergence loop type
The attached example will open an Aspen Plus simulation, run the simulation and display convergence loop information.
If no convergen... |
Problem Statement: In this example, you will learn how Aspen HYSYS V9 can be used by process engineers or planners to generate simulation data required to calculate base and shift vectors needed to update a PIMS reactor submodel. This example follows the workflow of using a pre-calibrated and pre-configured model to ge... | Solution: You will learn to:
Prepare a simulation model for Planning Model Update:
Establish appropriate scope & operating range for the study
Run a Case Study to generate Simulation Data for PIMS:
Ensure all required variables are included in the study
Use an Excel Front End as an alternative workflow:
Setup & Run the... |
Problem Statement: Can a Visual Basic application import a Summary file into a blank simulation?
It is possible in the graphical user interface (GUI) to open a new simulation based on a template then import a summary (.sum) file. The blocks and streams that have reported results will automatically be created and drawn ... | Solution: The following Visual Basic code can be used:
1. Create an Aspen Plus object
Set go_Simulation = CreateObject(Apwn.Document)
2. Import an application template. Any template can be used.
Call go_Simulation.InitFromTemplate2(d:\aes\GUI\Templates\Simulations\General with English Units.apt)
3. Im... |
Problem Statement: Can Custom GUI forms be designed for User2 Models with variable length arrays? | Solution: Yes. Any form control used in Aspen Plus can be applied to custom User2 forms created with Visual Basic.
Attached is a simple example to illustrate this technique. It is better to create Configured Variables for the User2 model with the Model Variable Configuration Editor when working with variable length use... |
Problem Statement: We observe slow performance for a simulation using scripts. What are the possible causes for this? | Solution: Files written by a script:
For a client/server configuration, make sure the text files written by scripts are local to the client machine otherwise there will be network traffic writing from the client to the server machine.
Batch update of assignments
Use the DisableIncrementalUpdate and EnableIncremental u... |
Problem Statement: Automation in Aspen Plus: how to get access to different variables and present the information to the user through dropdown menus. | Solution: ThisSolution provides an example code in VBA that illustrates how to retrieve different information from an Aspen Plus simulation file using dropdown menus; including accessing to variables with two identifiers such as component profiles of a RadFrac column. The automation program will allow to:
· Con... |
Problem Statement: How to to use a Dynamic Link Options (DLOPT) file (*.opt) to specify the files to link during a simulation run? | Solution: The simplest method of supplying user models to Aspen Plus is by putting the user model's object module files (the results of the aspcomp command) in the run directory. By default, whenever Aspen Plus spawns a subprocess to link a run-specific shared library it includes all object module files from the run di... |
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