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Problem Statement: Since aspenONE Process Explorer stores comments and annotations into the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database, does this mean that Aspen SQLplus can be used to programmatically. | Solution: Yes. Comments can be inserted through Aspen SQL PLus using a query into the history repeat area of the record Comments, which is defined by IP_CommentDef. The following is a sample query to insert a comment using an SQLplus query:
insert into Comments (IP_CMT_TIME, IP_CMT_SUBMITTER, IP_CMT_QLEVEL, IP_CMT_TEX... |
Problem Statement: Why is there a temperature discrepancy when flashing the streams leaving a rate-based distillation column?
If you add an adiabatic heat exchanger to an outlet stream, the temperature and vapor fraction changes. | Solution: For a rate-based stage, the vapor and liquid are NOT in equilibrium. Vapor-liquid equilibrium is only assumed at the interface, so is the chemical equilibrium. Therefore it is normal to get a different temperature if you flash the stream from a rate-based stage. An outlet stream from a rate-based stage is not... |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between Murphree and vaporization efficiencies and how should they be used? | Solution: Murphree Efficiency is described as:
Meff(ij) = [ Y(ij) - Y(ij+1) ] / [ (Kij * Xij) - Y(ij+1) ]
Vaporization Efficiency is described as:
Veff(ij) = Y(ij) / [ K(ij) * X(ij) ]
Overall Efficiency is described as:
Oeff = Neq / Nact
Where :
Meff = murphree efficiency
Veff = vaporization efficiency
Oeff = ove... |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes what is allowed with respect to deletion and modification of historical data in the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database. | Solution: Standard Aspen InfoPlus.21 data records will allow a user to modify existing data values in history. This can be done through an Aspen SQLplus query such as:
Update atcai set ip_trend_value = '100.0' where ip_trend_time between '18-jan-06 16:00:00' and '18-jan-06 16:30:00';
The results of this query on the... |
Problem Statement: What is the maximum length of the tag name in the Test API? | Solution: Through Cim-IO Core version 2004, the maximum allowable length for tag names in the Test API (cimio_t_api.exe) was 80 characters. In version 2004.1 and above, the maximum allowable length for tag names is 255 characters.
Keywords: test
api
character
name
length
References: None |
Problem Statement: In the Activated Economic Analysis dashboard, the default currency units are displayed in USD(US Dollars). If the user is trying to change this wihtin an Economic Analysis template while Economic Analysis is Active, Aspen Plus will still show the units in USD. This can be demonstrated even if the ana... | Solution: The user can find the option to modify the currency units and location for an economic analysis under the 'Economics' tab>'Cost Options'(shown below) (or in the Simulation Environment under Setup>Costing Options folder>Costing Options Sheet).
Then to use the template with other currency units, the can carry o... |
Problem Statement: KB Article 103797 shows how to add large groups of records to folders using SQLPlus. In addition, it might also be useful to use a query to create folders | Solution: The following SQLPlus query reads folder names and description and tag names from a text file. Then it creates folders (FolderDef records) and inserts the specified tags.
Prerequisites:
Tags must exist or be created beforehand
The input file must be in the right format: folder_name, tag_name, folder_descripti... |
Problem Statement: The sqlplusx utility doesn't allow parameters to be passed in the same way as iq.exe does. If you type sqlplusx /? it lists the correct parameters.
D:\Program Files\Aspentech\InfoPlus.21\db21\code>sqlplusx /? Usage:
sqlplusx [/h=hostname] [/p=port] [/t=timeout] [SQL command]
Executes an SQLplus comma... | Solution: You can use sqlplusx to execute a SQLPlus start command to run a query that is stored on the InfoPlus.21 server and then pass parameters via the start command.
Sample: sqlplusx /h=yelm start 'c:\users\default\t.sql','fred'
In this sample the script t.sql is on the server yelm. The start command passes fred as... |
Problem Statement: Even though the license points used can be obtained from the Record Utilization tab accessed from the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator, it does not provide a breakdown into details such as licensed points used by individual definition family. | Solution: 1. Total licensed points used.
In Aspen SQLplus v2004.2, new license functions are introduced. To get the total licensed points used, simply execute the following SQL query.
WRITE GETPOINTCOUNT;
For earlier version, execute the following SQL query.
SELECT count(*) AS Total Licensed Points Used FROM ALL... |
Problem Statement: How to modify the Maximum number of rows for SQLPlus Web service in Aspen InfoPlus-21? | Solution: 1- Configure 32-bit ODBC
a) Open ODBC Data Source Administrator(for 64-bit system, you can open it from C:\Windows\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe)
b) Â Go to System DSN tab
c) Click on add and select AspenTech SQLplus
d) Fill in ODBC Data Source Name and select Aspen Data Source(in this examp... |
Problem Statement: How to fix the error: Unable to acquire AEA_PIMS license | Solution: The fix described in thisSolution applies ONLY to a server that has network license. This error can be fixed by
a) restarting the SLM server and
b) restarting the Aspen Base Load service
T0 restart the SLM server
1) Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel RMS License Mana... |
Problem Statement: Why can't Fill Background button be unchecked in Aspen Process Explorer Graphics data field? | Solution: The Fill Background button in an Aspen Process Explorer graphic data field is grayed out and cannot be unchecked. This feature caused a problem with tags that refresh frequently with partially redrawn backgrounds so it was disabled. It still works for Text fields and that's why it was not removed from the app... |
Problem Statement: How do I check the CRDBLEND structure created by Aspen PIMS internally? | Solution: Consider this CRDBLEND example, where we use crudes ARL and AHV to make a new blended crude MX1:
The crude blend structure can be seen in the internal crude unit structure that PIMS builds, based on entries in the CRDDISTL, CRDCUTS, CRDBLEND and Assay tables. We can see this structure in the data validation r... |
Problem Statement: Table ROWS is used for two purposes,
1. add new equations (linear equations) into the model matrix.
2. modify existing model structure or equations.
What differences are there between using Table ROWS in an MPIMS/XPIMS model rather than a standard PIMS model? | Solution: In a Global model, T.ROWS has to have a column, 'USER'. Any non-blank number under USER indicates that particular row is a new equation in the matrix. The following table shows the differences in different types of models.
Keywords: MPIMS
XPIMS
PPIMS
PIMS
ROWS
References: None |
Problem Statement: DMC controllers were configured with CTOFF declared READ and linked to a database tag. However, a temporary Cimio problem caused CTOFF to have a value of -9999, which resulted in the controller failing (time of last run would never update). Even DELETEing and reloading the controller did not fix the ... | Solution: is to manually edit the CCF, put in a good value for CTOFF, then load the CCF. It is necessary to DELETE, LOAD, and START the controller in order for this to work.
Solution
The long termSolution is to make CTOFF LOCAL.
Keywords: (None) CONSTANT LOCAL READ
Related Topics:
WTMODE
© 1996-2000 Aspen Technology,... |
Problem Statement: What property package should I use for dissolved hydrocarbons in water? | Solution: At low pressures, an activity coefficient model (such as NRTL, or UNIQUAC) is a better choice, in general, for modelling VLE (Vapor-Liquid-Equilibrium) or LLE or VLLE. However, while using an activity coefficient model the tuning parameters should be fitted against a representative sample of experimental data... |
Problem Statement: Why does the overhead vapor of my column have a vapor fraction different than 1.0? My tray efficiencies are already 100%. | Solution: You may observe the overhead vapor stream is not at its dew point (VF<1) in the main environment, even though the tray efficiencies are all 1. (Note that even though within the column environment, the overhead vapor may show VF=1, you can clone this stream and do a PT flash to verify that it is actually not V... |
Problem Statement: Column fails to converge with Sparse Continuation Solver | Solution: The Sparse Continuation Solver is an equation based solver that supports two liquid phases. This solver is best suited for solving highly non-ideal and reactive distillation systems, however this is much slower than standard HYSIM Inside-Out or Modified HYSIM Inside-Out solvers.
The solver usually requires ... |
Problem Statement: Are there any tips to help converge a RadFrac distillation column? | Solution: If a RadFrac column fails to converge, doing one or more of the following could help:
1. Ensure that column operating conditions are feasible
2. Check that physical property issues (choice of Property Method, parameter availability, etc.) are properly addressed
3. If the column err/tol is decreasi... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, one or more components may appear as solid in an electrolyte system or a reactive system. If solids form in distillation column, how does rate-based distillation model deal with the situations? | Solution: In the case of electrolyte systems with Chemistry activated, rate-based column will disable any salt formation reaction in the chemistry set. After the column calculation, the program will check for the possible salt precipitation. If the check gives a yes, the program will issue a warning.
In the case of r... |
Problem Statement: How do you use an ASTM D7169 distillation curve data in an Assay where there is no option of ASTM D7169 for the Assay distillation curve type? | Solution: D7169 is the High Temperature Simulated Distillation standard based on the extension of ASTM D2887 to cover heavier fractions (from boiling range of 55 - 538 degree Celsius of D2887 to 36 - 750 degree Celsius).
The Data measured using this technique are on the same basis as Total Boiling Point (TBP) on a Weig... |
Problem Statement: Why am I getting errors about missing PLXANT (Antoine Vapor Pressure equation) parameters when I am using an equation of state (EOS) model? | Solution: PLXANT parameters are required to initialize flash calculations for most standard, flexible and predictive Equations of State. These methods include BWRS-LS, BWRS, LK-PLOCK, PR-BM, RKS-BM, CPA, HYSGLYCO, PC-SFT, PRMHV2, PRWS, PSRK, RK-ASPEN, RKSMHV2, RKSWS, SR-POLAR, and others.
This information is documented... |
Problem Statement: Why are the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Cim-IO client tasks (cimio_c_client.exe, cimio_c_async.exe, cimio_c_unsol.exe and cimio_c_changeover) not starting with no error messages? | Solution: It could be that the anti-virus checking software active on the Aspen InfoPlus.21 server is blocking the Aspen Cim-IO client tasks. Try placing the executable images for the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Cim-IO client tasks (cimio_c_client.exe, cimio_c_async.exe, cimio_c_unsol.exe and cimio_c_changeover) into the exclu... |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article explains why starting an IQ Task (TSK_IQ#) in the Aspen Infoplus.21 Manager, returns the error:
Error Creating Event Object, Error Code = 183.'' | Solution: You will get this error when the IQ Task was stopped ungracefully, for example, by ending the corresponding process in the Windows Task Manager. The query that the IQ Task was executing at the time may have started an external application (i.e. Visual Basic application, cmd.exe) which is still running. You wi... |
Problem Statement: How to simulate fractions of polymer in vapor phase in flash separation processes. | Solution: The flash algorithms in Aspen Plus use the average molecular weight to determine volatility of the polymer. The algorithm does not distribute or fractionate the polymer between phases.
One common work around is to define an oligomer component to represent lower molecular weight wax fractions. Wax generation c... |
Problem Statement: When switching flash algorithms from Inside Out to Gibbs, the bubble point predicted changes drastically from -20F to 100F. What is wrong? | Solution: It may be possible that there are twoSolutions for the bubble point. Some petroleum mixtures can undergo retrograde phenomenon where at a given temperature there are two bubble point pressures where liquid starts to form. For example, if pressure is reduced at constant temperature, it is possible to hit the d... |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to convert an .apx file (PE plot file) to an XML file? | Solution: Yes, there is. Open an Aspen Process Explorer (APEx) plot in Web.21 and save it as an XML file.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Process Graphics can contain many data fields linked to a specific ADSA data source. It's possible for a data source name to change, so all the data fields would need to change their ADSA data source reference. Is there a method for changing the data source used within a graphic for all the data fiel... | Solution: Yes, there is a method for changing the data source references. Inside the Process Graphics Editor, use the pulldown menu option:
Tools | Replace Source
This will allow you to change from one data source name to another.
Keywords: replace source
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can I limit an Aspen Petroleum Supply Chain Planner model to load only one type of material onto each transport type? | Solution: Example Process
Materials: M1, M2
From Node: A
To Node: B
Model: X
Collector: C1, C2
Collector Capacity: C
Steps to confine only one material can be loaded on a transport type
1. Define transport of M1 and M2 from A to B in mode of X in table Transport
2. For each transport vector, link it to a c... |
Problem Statement: When installing Aspen PIMS, some users experience the following message. What does that mean, and how to deal with it? | Solution: The message comes up due to the installation requires Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ). To install MSMQ, from START | Control Panel, select 'Add or Remove Programs'. When the window opens up, from the left panel, select 'Add/Remove Windows Components'. Then the the new window, check the box of 'Message Queue', ... |
Problem Statement: How to hide the General External Target Request switch from the Operations view for DMC3 or APC applications? | Solution: You can hide the switch using the apc.display.config file (C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\APC\Web Server\Products\APC)
Look for line 439:
It’s under the “general type variables” for the Operations view.
Deleting that entry will hide the switch for Operations view for all APC controllers.
Keywords: Externa... |
Problem Statement: When showing references for a point, the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Administrator displays the error: | Solution: This error means the service Aspen InfoPlus.21 Access Service is not running. Start the service using the Windows Services Control screen on the Aspen InfoPlus.21 server.
Keywords: show references
System.ServiceModel.Channels.ServiceChannel
Aspen InfoPlus.21 Access Service
References: None |
Problem Statement: In InfoPlus.21 Tag Configuration Tool, why is the timestamp different from SQLplus or InfoPlus.21 administrator? | Solution: The timestamp displayed in InfoPlus.21 Tag Configuration Tool Add-In is in UTC format.
Keywords: timestamp
References: None |
Problem Statement: After successfully installing Aspen PIMS, the user tried to open Aspen PIMS but gets the message 'Failed to find a valid license for Aspen PIMS'. How can users check if they have a valid PIMS license file? | Solution: Licenses for the Aspen PIMS Family products (including PIMS, APS, MBO, AOS and DPO) are version dependent. Using the 'SLM License Profiler' from Start | All Programs | Aspentech | Common Utilities | SLM License Profiler, you can check the maximum version of your application license and verify it is correct f... |
Problem Statement: Why don't the units for the Wobbe Index change when I change the units for the Heating Value? | Solution: The units for the Wobbe Index should be specified in Volume Specific Energy:
Keywords: Heating value, HHV, LHV, lower heating value, higher heating value, conversion, Wobbe number
References: None |
Problem Statement: How are qualities calculated for the inventoried streams? | Solution: For an inventoried Recursed stream:
If the user is recursing a quality of an inventoried stream, PIMS takes into consideration both the production rate/quality and the opening inventory amount/quality and uses these to calculate the qualities at the end of period 1. Then it will do the same for period 2 where... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to model a reaction with a solid component? For example, I would like to model a reaction with solid carbon.
C + O2 ---> CO2
C (carbon solid). | Solution: You can model solids in reactions. The solids need to be specified as a “solid” component on the Components form. Then, they can be in either the Mixed or in the CISOLID substream. They can be in either conversion reactors or in kinetic reactors.
Attached is an example file.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can you write an Aspen SQLplus query to select historical values from Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP21) tags only when another tag has a specific value? | Solution: This query prints the values of A1113F and A1113G between two times when the state of the discrete value Machine State is Running (integer value is 1). The tags A1113F, A1113G, and Machine State are part of the IP21 demo database.
The query produces the output:
ip_trend_time A1113F A1113G Machine State
------... |
Problem Statement: I am trying to estimate missing physical property parameters, and the UNIFAC groups are missing in the Aspen Plus databanks to describe my component, what can I do? | Solution: One option is to define your own dummy Unifac groups for the component, and provide the Unifac parameters if you have them. See the example file attached.
Detailed steps:
1. Define a new UNIFAC group in Data/Components/UNIFAC groups: eg in the attached file, DUMMY with group number 4500. New groups should... |
Problem Statement: How does the RSTOIC, the stoichiometric reactor, calculate the enthalpies, specific heat, outlet temperature, and other thermodynamic values? | Solution: The RSTOIC block in Aspen Plus uses a stoichiometric energy balance of what goes into the reactor to calculate the different parameters. Refer toSolution 3169 for a detailed discussion.
There is a good example of how this is done in: Chemical Engineering Design: Principles, Practice and Economics of Plant a... |
Problem Statement: How can I set stream composition via a spreadsheet? | Solution: See attached file Composition set via spreadsheet.hsc. Numbers in column B represent non-normalised composition. Data is normalised in column C and exported to a stream.
There are two important points to note:
data must be exported for ALL components in the model
composition must be normalised
Finally, once t... |
Problem Statement: The value from column FACTOR in table WSPECS is used to convert weight based property to volume based equivalent. Below is a description of exactly how it affects the matrix structure. | Solution: Assuming we have one specification blend B+C:
Two components can be blended to B+C:
We have max sulphur content expressed in weight% set to 2.5:
In table BLNPROP we have quality data regarding sulphur content expressed in pounds per barrel (SPB):
If we know correlation between SUL( weight percent) and S... |
Problem Statement: How do I display the status, number of file sets, and active file set number for each repository? | Solution: The attached query displays the status, number of file sets, and the active file set for each repository in an Aspen InfoPlus.21 server.
Keywords: Active file set
Number of file sets
Repository status
References: None |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides examples of Process Explorer Ad-hoc calculations. | Solution: Attached PDF document on thisSolution provides syntax examples and formula construction rules for Ad-hoc calculation that can be used in Aspen Process Explorer.
For a detailed explanation of the Time-Based Functions, please consult Aspen Calc Help File.
For a list of Aspen Calc functions that can be used in P... |
Problem Statement: This is a step by step | Solution: to guide PIMS users to setup a simple blending process in PIMS.Solution
Blending is the process of mixing hydrocarbon fractions and other components to produce products that meet certain specifications. Diesel and gasoline are the major products produced by the blending process.
1. Table BLENDS and BLNMIX are... |
Problem Statement: Why does a port 31 EO (Equation Oriented) connection not work when one of the components is not present in the connecting stream? | Solution: Aspen Plus Versions 2004.1 and later have a default option called Non-Zero Components which can be found under the EO Options forms as Remove Components.
This option will remove any component that has zero flow when a block or stream is created during the EO synchronization. Non-zero components is an import... |
Problem Statement: What are the units for Power Law expression pre-exponential factor? Where is it documented? | Solution: The pre-exponential factor in the power-law rate expression has very complex units which depend on the concentration basis selected and whether a reference temperature is specified. The concentration is converted to SI units before the rate is calculated. The pre-exponential factor has the units needed to mak... |
Problem Statement: When trying to create a new Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED) in the Aspen Properties Database Manager, I get the message:
Linking to the server failed. Check you input for Login Name, Password, and Server.
However, I am sure that I entered the Login Name and Password correctly. | Solution: This message does indicated that something is incorrect in the login specifications. Try the following two suggestions:
1. Double check that the Login Name (apeduser for V7.0 and higher) and Password (Aprop100 for V7.0 and higher) are correct. They are both case-sensitive.
2. If using the default ... |
Problem Statement: Although specific port numbers can be assigned to the various Aspen InfoPlus.21 API server tasks to effect client communication through a firewall, the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service is still dynamically allocated a new port number through the Noblenet portmapper every time this service is restarted.... | Solution: 1. ASSIGN A PORT NUMBER FOR TSK_ADMIN_SERVER:
A. Open the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Manager.
B. Select TSK_ADMIN_SERVER.
C. Next to the -v parameter in the command line parameters box, type -nNNNN, where NNNN is the port number not blocked by the firewall.(e.g. -n1234)
D. Click Update
E. Stop and r... |
Problem Statement: Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is a proprietary Microsoft technology for communication among software components distributed across networked computers. DCOM, which originally was called Network OLE, extends Microsoft's COM, and provides the communication substrate under Microsoft's COM+ a... | Solution: To help further analysis of DCOM errors the following Windows server 2003 and 2008 registry values associated with the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole key control the default launch and access permission settings and call-level security capabilities for COM-based applications on the server. Details ... |
Problem Statement: You encounter the below error message
Failed to find ProgID: Aspen.Calc.TimeBaseFunc.1, in formula <on demand calc> at line 1
when you
1. Search in the Aspen Tag Browser for on demand calculations and the Value column returns the error message.
2. Create a Data Field in Aspen Process Grap... | Solution: On the machine that encounters this error ensure that:
1. Aspen Calc is installed.
2. a DLL called AtCalcTimeBaseFunction.dll is found in C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Calc\Bin
3. the DLL called AtCalcTimeBaseFunction.dll is registered with Windows.
To register the DLL,
1. Open a co... |
Problem Statement: How to add bias to IQ | Solution: You can add bias to an online IQ application as follows:
1. When running the IQ application, there is a PREDBIAS entry (in the PR section) which you can use to set the bias manually. The value of PREDBIAS can be changed using PCWS or IQView.
2. If you are collecting lab samples for the LCN EP property, you ca... |
Problem Statement: What does Error from CLSIDFromProgID <opcservername> on local system hr = 0x800401f3, Invalid class string in the cimio_msg.log indicate? | Solution: This error message indicates that the OPC server name indicated in the cimio_msg.log is not installed on the Cim-IO server. The reSolution to this error message is to install the desired OPC server on the Cim-IO server.
It is possible to verify that the OPC server is not installed by opening OPCProperties.e... |
Problem Statement: I ran my model in PIMS-AO several times and each time it solved the same case to a different Objective Function, even though I have not changed any input or settings. What could be the cause of this behavior? | Solution: This kind of behavior is usually caused by Start with Existing LP Basis option enabled under XSLP Settings / Advanced 2. It causes Xpress to initialize with the existing basis file, which causes non-deterministic behavior.
For most of the models this option should be disabled:
Keywords: Start with Existing LP... |
Problem Statement: An Example on how to test tags in bulk using test API | Solution: There are two ways to specify the tag information that is transmitted to the Cim-IO server:
- Entering tag information from the keyboard one tag at a time.
- Entering tag information into a text file and specifying the name of the file when prompted by cimio_t_api.
... |
Problem Statement: The MQA result shows red highlights on the some variable tag names (Example below). What does this signify? | Solution: The red or yellow highlight of a variable in the MQA plot indicates one of the configured KPI(s) for that variables is in an alarm state. When the user hovers the mouse over the variable tag name, the system will show a pop-up screen wuth the KPI calculation that is in alarm. User may click on the Plot Sett... |
Problem Statement: Example of a regression of UNIFAC parameters from LLE data | Solution: This example illustrates the use of LLE data to determine a new set of liquid-liquid UNIFAC group binary parameters for the UNIF-LL property method. The experimental data are for an ethyl acetate/water/ethanol system. The UNIFAC groups for the components are summarized in the following table:
Component
UNIF... |
Problem Statement: What property package should I use for dissolved hydrocarbons in water? | Solution: At low pressures, an activity coefficient model (such as NRTL, or UNIQUAC) is a better choice, in general, for modelling VLE (Vapor-Liquid-Equilibrium) or LLE or VLLE. However, while using an activity coefficient model the tuning parameters should be fitted against a representative sample of experimental data... |
Problem Statement: Why does the overhead vapor of my column have a vapor fraction different than 1.0? My tray efficiencies are already 100%. | Solution: You may observe the overhead vapor stream is not at its dew point (VF<1) in the main environment, even though the tray efficiencies are all 1. (Note that even though within the column environment, the overhead vapor may show VF=1, you can clone this stream and do a PT flash to verify that it is actually not V... |
Problem Statement: Column fails to converge with Sparse Continuation Solver | Solution: The Sparse Continuation Solver is an equation based solver that supports two liquid phases. This solver is best suited for solving highly non-ideal and reactive distillation systems, however this is much slower than standard HYSIM Inside-Out or Modified HYSIM Inside-Out solvers.
The solver usually requires ... |
Problem Statement: What does Aspen Fleet Optimizer Map Monitor allow you to do? | Solution: Aspen Fleet Optimizer Map Monitor allows the users to view their schedules, and also displays their truck routes over a period of time. With Aspen Fleet Optimizer Map Monitor, you can click on trucks for selected time-period or view each trip individually on the map. Select and view Groups, Terminals, and Tru... |
Problem Statement: What does the Holiday Storm Planner do? | Solution: The Holiday-Storm Planner is a utility that lets the user enter expected variations in future sales by product, for one or more customers. The user can store sales variations expected as a result of a sporting event, holiday, storm, or any other situation that creates an abnormal sales condition. Entries into... |
Problem Statement: What causes blue and green loads in Aspen Fleet Optimizer (AFO) replenishment planner? | Solution: This is cause by the status field being updated in AFO.A Status refers to the status of a shipment. This field is populated via the AFO Load Confirmation service. Color-coding has also been added. When a confirmation record is picked up for a shipment that is loaded, the shipment inside the Replenishment Plan... |
Problem Statement: The Aspen Framework (AFW) security database for Aspen Production Control Web Server (PCWS) might get corrupted during configuration or usage. The symptom of a corrupted AFW database is that no APC application will show up in PCWS when using the Default application security level (assuming no further ... | Solution: Wordaround: If no further configuration (beyond default) has been set, the user can manually add each individual Host, Application or a mix of them to the security database.
If a more complex structure was already set, the corrupted RTE node in the AFW Security database needs to be cleared and rebuilt. Follow... |
Problem Statement: Aspen PIMS has a several minutes delay in startup when it gets the licenses from a network license server. How can I speed up the launch of the product? | Solution: Perform the following steps on your computer to speed up the time that PIMS is searching for the license:
1. Launch the SLM Configuration Wizard
2. Will you be connecting to an SLM server over the network? Yes. Next.
3. Verify which license server supports PIMS features and make sure it is the only license se... |
Problem Statement: This list of common errors made by PIMS modelers was compiled by the veteran PIMS consultant, Nestor Resurreccion. We post this list in the hope that they can be avoided in the future. | Solution: Working with multiple directories: the user saves files/workbooks in wrong directory. This is especially true when the user is working on several models at the same time. Worst case: the user deletes the model/directory that has the good data.
The user types in data (unconsciously) somewhere inside spreadshe... |
Problem Statement: Table ROWS is used for adding new structure, defining additional constraints (linear equations), or modifying an existing equation. It can be used in all types of Aspen PIMS models, such as standard PIMS, PPIMS, MPIMS and XPIMS. This | Solution: is to summarize the differences when Table ROWS is used in different types of PIMS model.
Solution
The following table shows the supporting features of table ROWS in different types of Aspen PIMS models. For detailed examples of how to use each of these please refer to the Aspen PIMS HELP.
Types
Column
USER... |
Problem Statement: I have Table VPOOL in my model and I would like to see the structure that PIMS creates for this. Is there a way to see this table? | Solution: PIMS can include the VPOOL structure in the Data Validation. To have PIMS do this, you must first add Svpl as an entry in Table PRNTABS. An example of this entry is below.
* TABLE
PRNTABS
*
Miscellaneous Tables to be Reported
TEXT
***
Svpl
BOUNDS
User Defined Bounds
PGUESS
Initial PGUESS
PDIST
I... |
Problem Statement: PIMS allows users to use database as input and output. How do we use the database options in PIMS? | Solution: The PIMS Input Database is the database into which you enter PIMS input data. A traditional PIMS model uses excel spreadsheet tables as input and those excel spreadsheets are attached to branches on the model trees. PIMS input database tables, however, are used in place of PIMS input spreadsheet tables when y... |
Problem Statement: A system DSN has been created on the machine using AspenTech SQLplus ODBC driver. However when trying to import data using the DSN created in Microsoft Excel 2007, the following error is encountered: | Solution: The above error is encountered due to the use of the Data Connection Wizard. The Data Connection Wizard is for use with OLEDB provider. However SQLplus only has a ODBC provider. In order to import data from InfoPlus.21 successfully using the ODBC provider, Microsoft Query will have to be used instead.
To ... |
Problem Statement: What is the global token consumption of multiple InfoPlus.21 systems? For example, if you have 3 different Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP.21) servers, one with 5,000 points (A), one with 700 points (B), one with 3,000 points (C), what is the total token consumption? | Solution: You have to consider each server separately. For example, if the token consumption indicated in the contract is 1 token per 4,000 IP.21 points, then the total consumption in the case indicated is:
A (2 tokens) + B (1 token) + C (1 token) = 4 tokens
The minimum token consumption for Aspen InfoPlus.21 is one ... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, customers may want to insert new records into their InfoPlus.21 database from an ASCII file using SQLplus. One common problem which they could run into is that the database may not have enough free space to hold all the new records. With the help of SQLplus, it is relatively easy to estima... | Solution: The following query determines how much free space is currently available, inserts one sample record, determines how much space it takes up, deletes it, then multiplies that amount of space times the number of records you want, and determines if there is enough free space available.
LOCAL NoofRec INTEGER;
LOC... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to to start Aspen Process Explorer and pass a record name as an argument to create a plot/trend for it?
Customers often have many records in their Aspen InfoPlus.21 databases and want to avoid having to create multiple APX files for multiple records to plot/trend them. | Solution: We do not currently support generating a NEW trend plot from the command line.
The only way to open a trend plot from the command line is to create an APX file beforehand and then pass in the filename. For example, ProcessExplorer.exe MyPlotFile.apx.
Keywords: start argument plot
References: None |
Problem Statement: An Aspen Watch ODBC application (AspenWatch Maker or AspenWatch Inspector) is getting an error message with the text Network Failure or Incompatible SQLplus server ODBC--call failed.
This usually indicates that the client application has lost communication with the server application. This might be b... | Solution: TheSolution is simply make sure the tsk_sql_server is running and then to disconnect and reconnect the client application, or dismiss and re-invoke the client application and allow it to connect again. This is usually under the file menu item
AspenWatch Maker has an icon for this (leftmost icon looks like a b... |
Problem Statement: What is the typical workflow to add new assays in Aspen Assay Manager? | Solution: New crudes will be added to existing Assay table with no change to existing assay data.
1. Open Assay Manager
2. Map and transfer data using Setup Wizard. No need to import existing data from PIMS
3. Click New Assay and select desired crude(s) from library
4. On “Buy” tab, set MIN, MAX, and COST valuesCharact... |
Problem Statement: At the end of run, Aspen PIMS pops up a window reading 'Html report failed! Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation'. There is no | Solution: report generated. This happens sometimes when a user converts a multiperiod model to single period model.Solution
Try the following steps and see if the problem can be resolved.
1. Check if there is a file, called 'pimswin.exe.config' in the Aspen PIMS installation folder. If there is one, deleted, and tr... |
Problem Statement: In the optimization problem, what is the difference in treatment of a constraint vs. a hard constraint? | Solution: The difference is only significant when the Optimiser has difficulty finding a feasible point. If it enters the minimise sum of squares phase, it has a choice of including violated constraints in the objective or of insisting that they should continue to be treated as constraints. Hard constraints never leave... |
Problem Statement: How to find the variables pump on and pump off for a pump operation in Aspen Simulation Workbook? | Solution: This variable needs to be searched in Aspen Simulation Workbook. The variable search tool In the Organizer can be activated by clicking the binocular icon(Shown below).
Then in the 'UniOps' folder, browse to find the variable from the drop down list:
The pump on/off switch variable can be found as shown... |
Problem Statement: Aspen InfoPlus.21 2006.5 checks licensed points and throws an SLM_InfoPlous21_Point error message in Aspen Process Explorer and Aspen Administrator display. | Solution: Licesed points should be decreased to 500*SLM_InfoPlus.21_Points
Keywords: SLM_InfoPlus21_Points
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I resolve the error message Error in setting new database size to nnnnnnn. Code = -82 when upgrading an Aspen InfoPlus.21 snapshot? | Solution: Open the Control Panel Services Applet. Make sure the 'Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task Service' is using a privileged Domain account. Then restart the service and retry the upgrade procedure.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: When upgrading the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database, OEE records do not upgrade correctly and causes the upgrade to fail. | Solution: This occurs if upgrading a database that is V8.5 and older to a version of Aspen InfoPlus.21 that is V8.7 or newer and occurs because the oee.rld file was updated between V8.5 to V8.7 to have OEE_Def records renamed to OEEDef records. To work around this issue, rename OEE_Def in the older snapshot to OEEDef b... |
Problem Statement: This | Solution: s provides an overview of different methods to read/write information from/to an Aspen InfoPlus.21 database from remote nodes. Further information about each method can be found on suggested knowledge baseSolutions or by contacting AspenTech technical support.
Solution
Aspen InfoPlus.21 provides three main me... |
Problem Statement: Launching the Aspen Tag Browser, the list of available servers is displayed correctly. When one of the servers is selected, an error is generated:
[AspenTech][SQLplus] Failed to connect to server. | Solution: If this behavior is exhibited even when Aspen Process Explorer is able to trend data normally, and the Aspen SQLplus client is able to access the Aspen InfoPlus.21 server successfully - then this is likely caused by a firewall setting. Resolve this by making sure that TagBrowser.exe is not blocked by the fire... |
Problem Statement: The yields coefficients for VBALAR1/WBALAR is doubled in matrix, i.e. the coefficients in the AR1 material balance is 2x the entry in the T.ASSAYS for the row VBALAR1/WBALAR1.
What is wrong? | Solution: When configure ATM bottom residue flow, there are two ways to achieve the same results. Take weight sample model as example,
1. With NEWCUT, but comment out WBALAR1
* TABLE
NEWCUT
Table of Contents
*
TEXT
CD1
CD2
CD3
***
*
LV1AR1
AR1 from LV1
1.00000
1.00000
1.00000
HV1AR1
AR1 fr... |
Problem Statement: When mapping the timestamp for an InfoPlus.21 point in Process Graphics, there are no parameters to modify the timestamp formatting, is it possible to change? | Solution: The timestamp format used in Process Graphics is determined by your InfoPlus.21 timestamp format. In InfoPlus.21, the timestamp format is chosen in the Time Parameters tab, in Database Properties, from the InfoPlus.21 Administrator tool:
So it is possible to change the way timestamps are displayed in Proc... |
Problem Statement: The Aspen Process Explorer Excel Add-Ins introduced in version 7.3 require Microsoft Excel versions 2007 SP2 or 2010.
Normally, the Aspen Process Explorer Excel Add-Ins are installed when installing Aspen Process Explorer; however, if either Microsoft Excel is not installed on the client, or the wron... | Solution: The Aspen Process Explorer Excel Add-Ins introduced with V7.3 are not Excel 'xla' add-ins as in previous versions of AspenTech's Excel Add-ins, but are instead COM Add-Ins found either in C:\Program Files\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Excel\Addins or C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\AspenTech Shared\Excel\A... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Process Explorer V7.3 Excel add-in does not load after upgrading from MS Office 2003 to MS Office 2007 or MS Office 2010. The Process Data Excel Legacy Excel Add-in was working properly in MS Office 2003. After MS Office was upgraded from version 2003 to version 2007/2010, the pre V7.3 and V7.3... | Solution: (For MS Office 2007/2010 32-bit only)
1. In V7.3, the use of Excel legacy Add-in requires the loading of the Excel v7.3 Add-in for it to function.
2. Close all MS and aspenONE applications.
3. Download and install the following components from the Microsoft website:
Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for the Micro... |
Problem Statement: How can I get PIMS matrix intersections from the Results.MDB file? | Solution: The key table to get this information is the PrMpsCols table. This table, along with PrMpsRows, PrMpsRange, PrMpSRhs, are not always created. In order to get this information in V7.3, open the General Model Settings dialog (Model Settings | General). Choose the Output Database tab and then click the Options ... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Process Explorer may crash when opening some graphic files. This is problem did not occur in versions prior to Aspen Process Explorer version V2006.5.
The problem is caused because a Process Graphic contains an image where the file attribute is empty when you view the image properties. | Solution: TheSolution is to open the graphic file in Aspen Process Graphics Editor 2006.5 or older version and add file attribute and then upgrade to V7.1.
Keywords: Process Explorer
Graphic Editor
crash
image
References: None |
Problem Statement: Aspen PIMS generates matrix before and after solving the model. How does Aspen PIMS name those files in PIMS-DR and PIMS-AO? | Solution: In PIMS-DR, Aspen PIMS will generate a model matrix file populated with the initial estimates of recursed properties from PGUESS and initializing error distribution depending on the number of distributed destination. This matrix file is called MPSPROB.MPS. At the end of the LPSolution, another matrix file is ... |
Problem Statement: How to switch to Dual mode in Aspen PIMS? | Solution: To run Pims in the Dual mode, goto LP settings-->Options-->Select Dual instead of Primal.
Keywords: Dual Mode
LP settings
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does “Update PIMS tables� in Assay Manager change in Aspen PIMS? | Solution: After generating cutting results, “Update PIMS Tables� can be clicked to:
1. Send data back to PIMS tables
· Table BUY updated with MIN, MAX, COST
· Table CRDDISTL updated with EST-row
· Table ASSAYS updated with data for new crude(s)
2. Rename and suppre... |
Problem Statement: With multiple installations of Aspen HYSYS or Aspen Plus with Exchanger Design and Rating, EDR will be called from the last version. Running an Aspen HYSYS file with EDR exchanger embedded in old version, doesn't solve exchanger. | Solution: To register desired version of EDR to HYSYS or Aspen plus, go to below directory:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating Vx.x\XEQ
then run the file BJACVC.exe, below screen will pop up:
Then check the box Register Aspen Exchanger Design & Rating version with Aspen Plus and HYSYS and clic... |
Problem Statement: What are compositions of the liquid and vapor phase inside the vessel during and after depressurization? | Solution: Liquid and vapor compositions in the vessel are same as liquid out and vapor out compositions at the corresponding time. The compositions of the left over liquid and vapor inside vessel after blow-down are equal to the corresponding liquid out and vapor out compositions of the last moment of the depressurizat... |
Problem Statement: How do I determine the sequence of unit calculations? | Solution: 1) In the CONFIG Table set DEBUGINFOLVEL to 0
2) In CONFIG Table set TIMR to Y, if TIMR row is not present create one
3) Now simulate all
4) A file named ORION.CSV will be created in the Local Working Directory
5) This ORION.CSV file will list sequence of unit calculations (this will ... |
Problem Statement: In a PID controller, what is the intent of the Range PV Min/Max? What is the purpose of the PV limits in Parameters tab | Advanced section? Should these be left empty? | Solution: The PV Range section purpose is just to define the minimum and maximum limits that the controller can measure. In real life, controllers are built with a particular range of measure, and this is the information necessary in this section. In fact, the Face Plate window takes this range so you can define the Se... |
Problem Statement: What are the high level inputs and outputs of APS | Solution: The following are the high-level inputs/outputs of Aspen Petroleum Scheduler
Inputs:
Model Configuration: Tanks, Units, Pipelines, Unit Feeds and Yields
Logic: How process units function, what volumes and qualities are calculated and how
Schedule: Events are scheduled (movements/unit operations/blends)
Outp... |
Problem Statement: In economic evaluations for the refinery planning process, it is necessary to have a clear picture of the impact of adding incremental amounts of a material, either as a feed or as a product.
Useful information for analysis include the Break Even value of the material, the change in the Objective Fun... | Solution: The attached Report Writer Template automates the following calculations:
? Break Even value for every increment of material analyzed (i.e. total increment vs. base case)
Marginal Cost and Marginal Revenue Curves
Objective Function changes vs. volume of material analyzed.
Attached are also two sam... |
Problem Statement: What troubleshooting steps are available if a client application cannot connect to an available Aspen Data Source Architecture server? | Solution: Use the following steps to confirm that clients machines are able to access the ADSA server.
1. Confirm that the ADSA data source has been configured correctly. Consult the Adding a Public Data Source entry in the ADSA help files for additional information on required components for various data sources.
2.... |
Problem Statement: What are the high level inputs and outputs of APS | Solution: The following are the high-level inputs/outputs of Aspen Petroleum Scheduler
Inputs:
Model Configuration: Tanks, Units, Pipelines, Unit Feeds and Yields
Logic: How process units function, what volumes and qualities are calculated and how
Schedule: Events are scheduled (movements/unit operations/blends)
Outp... |
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