question stringlengths 19 6.88k | answer stringlengths 38 33.3k |
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Problem Statement: How to fix strings that are messed up (shown in mixed codes, numbers don't make sense) after switching your system to another language and trying to use the localized version of APS/MBO? | Solution: The user will need to install VC++ 2017 Redistributable for the language desired. For example, if I would like to use a Russian localized version of APS, here are the steps I need to take in order for everything to show up correctly:
1. Please make sure the region language is Russian, and UTF-8 is unchecked... |
Problem Statement: Having created a shortcut to a file or folder within the aspenONE Process Explorer (A1PE) document store, the shortcut is not displayed in the navigation pane:
In the example above, the MyRemoteShareFolder shortcut was created to attempt to provide access within A1PE to a network shared folder: \\ms... | Solution: A1PE does not currently support the use of these shortcuts for use in navigation on the A1PE document store. There is a workaround though, use a symbolic link.
On the A1PE web server, open a command prompt window and change directory to the location of your Public folder under the A1PE root directory. The A1... |
Problem Statement: For the first derivative of time, user can add '$' as a prefix to input the 1st order time derivative.
For example,
Model A
X as realvariable;
Y as realvariable;
$X = 2*Y;
End
But for the 2nd order time derivative, user cannot declare the variable like '$$X'. | Solution: Aspen Customer Modeler cannot understand the syntax like '$$'. But user can model the 2nd order time derivative equation by using intermediate variable.
In order to input the 2nd order time derivative, user need to declare the intermediate variable and equate the variable with the 1st order time derivative.
... |
Problem Statement: Which System, User, and Application Configuration Files should be Saved, Backed Up,
and/or Transferred when Upgrading the MES Plant Operations Family of Product
Installations for AORA and ATOMS to the aspenONE V11.0 Release. | Solution: The KB Article content documented below is intended to help you identify the important AORA and ATOMS Product
Installation and/or Application and User Specific Files that need to be Saved and Backed Up during Upgrades, and/or
Transferred to the New Server / Client Machines when Migrating to New Hardware durin... |
Problem Statement: Which System, User, and Application Configuration Files should be
Saved, Backed Up, and/or Transferred when Upgrading the MES
InfoPlus.21 Family of Products to the aspenONE V11.0 Release. | Solution: NOTE: For this KB Article, please Download and Refer to the PDF File Attachment Named,
"Important Files to Save, Backup, and or Transfer for V11.0 MES InfoPlus.21 Family Upgrades.pdf"
The content provided in the attached PDF File for this KB Article is intended to help you identify
the important Product In... |
Problem Statement: What settings and installation steps you need to perform before opening your APS/MBO model in another language? | Solution: You don't have to switch the entire OS to the other language system. For example, if you are currently in an English/US OS, you don't have to change the entire OS to Russian if you would like to run APS/MBO models in localized Russian version.
W10E 64-bit US/UK English Install x86 and x64 VC++ Redist 2017.... |
Problem Statement: Radfrac (Distillation Column) is supported in Aspen Plus Dynamics but the rigorous static head of side draw is not considered in the simulation.
This example will illustrate how can user apply hydrostatic head of the side draw by using Flowsheet Constraint. | Solution: 1. After the steady-state column simulation is done, add a dummy 'Heater' block to indicate hydrostatic pressure of side-draw. As we don't need heat duty for this block, please give '0' to duty and give estimated outlet pressure.
2. Run again, and export to Aspen Plus Dynamic as flow-driven simulation.
3... |
Problem Statement: Viscosity of liquid sulfur is unusual and shows discontinuity around 320 F (160℃) because of the formation of allotropes.
There is no viscosity correlation in Aspen Plus that can describe this phenomena.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allotropes_of_sulfur#List_of_allotropes_and_forms
Also, Aspen Plu... | Solution: In order to describe allotropes, input two sulphurs in the component which has different viscosity model.
Name those component as S-ALPHA and S-BETA respectively.
Prepare chemistry that can describe sharp conversion from S-Alpha to S-Beta.
Then do the liquid viscosity analysis.
All the parameters are s... |
Problem Statement: How do I model blocks' elevation to apply hydrostatic pressure in Aspen Plus Dynamics? | Solution: In models with a liquid holdup, you have the option of representing the effect of the liquid static head on the liquid outlet pressure. This feature applies to these models:
Decanter
Flash2
Flash3
Mixer
PetroFrac
RadFrac
RCSTR
For these models, in addition to the height of liquid in the vessel, you can includ... |
Problem Statement: Rankine cycle is commonly used to model thermal power plant. This example illustrate how can user model the Rankine cycle of 500MW thermal power plant. | Solution: Please use this example for reference and note that the operating condition of these product didn't referenced from real operating result.
User need to modify operating condition based on the design data.
1) Property Setting
Component : Water
Property Package : STEAMNBS
Flowrate : 179,754 kmol / hr of water... |
Problem Statement: With Aspen products already installed, do a windows major upgrade, for example, upgrade Windows 10 from version 1803 to 1809. Then launch Aspen application on the new Windows, it may trigger a windows installer resiliency.
Root Cause:
A windows major upgrade will back up old windows to C:\Windows.ol... | Solution: Do a repair install with original Aspen installer. So it will be repair all required missing stuff back to the new Windows.
AspenTech provides two zip files for different version as a workaround solution. Please extract the zip file to a local folder. Then, run the batch file by right click it and select “Run... |
Problem Statement: Instruction on how to model Free-Radical polymerization. Calculation of moment (0th,1st and 2nd), MWn, MWw and PDI would be good reference for the user. | Solution: This example model uses very simple free-radical kinetic model to understand how polymerization kinetics work.
This example assumes only combination-termination reaction.
Initiator is decomposed to create 2 radicals, then radical reacts with monomer to produce live polymer.
Live polymer does propagation, als... |
Problem Statement: Instruction on how to model 3-phase Flash calculation by using procedure. | Solution: Please use procedure "pFLASH3" to calculate 3-phase flash. Water and N-Butanol are used for this example.
We can find that it is separated to 2 liquid phases for each of Butanol rich phase and Water rich phase.
Model VLLE
T as temperature(50,fixed);
P as pressure(1,fixed);
z(componentlist) as molefraction (f... |
Problem Statement: How to draw "Absorption Equilibrium Line"? | Solution: If user want to draw absorption equilibrium line to decide the required number of stage and feasiblility of design, user can use Aspen Plus to draw "Equilibrium Lines".
Please note the "Operating Line" need to be set by the operating condition (Solvent Flowrate, Solute fraction).
We are going to bring up CO2... |
Problem Statement: Instruction on how to model phase-equlibrium calculation for NRTL model (Same as Aspen Properties). This can be used for other property method if user has enough understanding on each method. | Solution: This example model uses Water and Methanol for reference, this is using PLXANT correlation same with Aspen Plus. Vapor phase is Ideal and activity is calculated from NRTL model.
Model NRTL2
/* This example uses Water and Methanol for reference.
If user want to apply for other component, please change Vapor pr... |
Problem Statement: Many asymmetric monomer create polymer with different structure(For example, PolyPropylene).This structure affects properties of polymer product.
This structure is categorized Isotactic / Syndiotactic and Atactic by its shape, this property is often called 'Tacticity'.
Can we differentiate Isotactic... | Solution: We do not have specific reactions or component attributes to track syndiotactic or isotactic polymer. Generally, specific types of catalyst result in either syndiotactic or isotactic polymer, with small amounts of atactic polymer produced by side reactions. For example, polypropylene by Ziegler catalyst forms... |
Problem Statement: What is the purpose of Table PrProcessCapacityLimits? | Solution: The new format output database table PrProcessCapacityLimit contains process capacity ids and related information.
Description of the Table:
The Process Limits information from this table can be observed in the Process Limit Summary, for this example we used the Volume Sample Model Base Case:
Keywords: No... |
Problem Statement: …This KB article explains how to expand AW history retention to avoid losing data. | Solution: …The solution to increase history retention in the Aspen Watch server is adding new file sets in IP21.
Aspen Watch is using custom records inside IP.21 to store the Advanced Process Control (APC) information. The records start with AW_ and there are several created for this purpose. The data is kept in the fo... |
Problem Statement: What is the allowed length for variable/object names used in the Aspen Advanced Process Control (APC) software family? | Solution: The guidelines for naming variables/objects are detailed below based on the APC product used.
DMCplus
The numbers in brackets reflect the number of characters limited if the application needs to run with aspen watch configuration.
Controller name - 1 to 12 characters (AW Limit: Same as DMCplus Limit).
Subco... |
Problem Statement: How to handle nonlinear relationships for IQ models. | Solution: There're four model types in IQModel: Linear PLS, Fuzzy Non-Linear PLS, Hybrid: PLS - Neural Network, and Monotonic Neural Network.
Linear PLS create linear relationships between Dependent and Independent(s), but we can use transformation to build a nonlinear model with Linear PLS.
The transformation works f... |
Problem Statement: When login to PCWS (APC Web Server), there's the error:
Retrieving the COM class factory for component with CLSID {0270B86F-F70A-443A-85C5-725DDFF3E452} failed due to the following error: 8007007e The specified module could not be found. (Exception from HRESULT: 0X8007007E). | Solution: This error mostly is caused by DLL files corrupted or missing.
Execute a Repair Install can fix this issue, please also apply all pending Windows Update.
If this issue is not fixed by repair installation, please contact AspenTech technical consultant.
Keywords: APC
PCWS
COM class factory
0x8007007e
Repair I... |
Problem Statement: Water and ethanol combine into an azeotropic mixture, which makes their separation process limited to the azeotropic point. In industry, an agent may be employed to alter the activity coefficient of the compounds of the mixture, in order to eliminate the azeotrope. This agent is referred to as an ent... | Solution: The example attached demonstrates the use of cyclohexane as a pseudo-binary component (entrainer) added to the water/ethanol mixture. For this case, Fig 1. shows the vapor-liquid equilibrium diagram (and the azeotropic point) for water/ethanol mixture with no entrainer. As we add cyclohexane to the mixture, i... |
Problem Statement: These error can be occurred for the issue:
Error 1:
Error : Input message does not match required format ( connection string Data Source=KDCVGDSQL03P;Initial Catalog=MesDataMart;Integrated Security=True, )
Error 2:
Error: The '[2020-01-01]' member was not found in the cube when the string, [Calendar... | Solution: This issue is caused by one of the table in ARF database, it is unable to accept the YEAR format 2020 and throws error.
To fix this issue, please download the attached script and execute is as follow steps:
1. Download and copy the dateimedim.sql to a temp folder.
2. Open SQL Server Management Studio and conn... |
Problem Statement: A user's PIMS-EE role determines their access level to the model. There are typically four types of roles in PIMSEE,
1. Administrator - performs all modeling tasks, such as adding a user, copying a model, renaming a model, granting access, etc.
2. Modeler - has full privileges to all mode... | Solution: Someone with the Administrator role will often act as permissions controller. The best practice is to let Administrator grant permissions to Planner/Auditor through Case Manager in PIMS-EE.
To do that the user (as the Administrator of PIMSEE) has to login in and Run PIMS-EE.
In this screen, on right bot... |
Problem Statement: How do I save a model from one database to another database over a server in PIMS-EE? | Solution: First, the user has to configure a data source pointed to the source database, and a data source pointed to the target database. If the target database is the same database as source database, then user only needs to configure one data source. Otherwise, it is required to configure two data sources.
In this e... |
Problem Statement: | Solution: 128225 discusses Local Databases and describes how to create a 'Local Database' under SQL instance named 'PIMSEE'. If user does not have MSDE, this is a way to create a PIMS database under any instance. This example will demonstrate how to create a Aspen PIMS Enterprise Edition (PIMSEE) database under any SQL... |
Problem Statement: Can OLI be used when a Petroleum Assay is present? | Solution: Yes, OLI does support petroleum assays in its code. Aspen Plus petroleum assays are also supported in the OLI code. There are two options:
Option 1: OLI Assays
The chemistry model can be generated in OLI using OLI''s thermodynamic methods for petroleum assays. OLI uses the same API procedures as others. From ... |
Problem Statement: The Aspen PIMS Enterprise Edition data source is a linkage between Aspen PIMS Enterprise Edition enterprise database and the Aspen PIMS application. Configuring this is one of the most important steps for the Aspen PIMS Enterprise Edition application.
How do I to configure the datasource? | Solution: In this example, we use SQL Server Database.
1. From PIMS-EE, under menu Tools | Configure Enterprise Data Sources ?, the following screen will pop up,
2. Click the ?Add? button and the following screen appears. In the field under ?Data Source Configuration?, type the name of your new data source. In this e... |
Problem Statement: I am trying to model a gas sweetening process and want to select Ucarsol as the Amine. This component is not compatible with the Amine fluid property package. How can I model this system? | Solution: Ucarsol (C5H13NO2) is a proprietary solvent from Dow. While it is available in Aspen HYSYS, it is only compatible with certain property packages, such as Peng-Robinson Stryjek-Vera (PRSV), Lee Kesler Plocker (LKP), Generalized Cubic EOS (GCEOS) and all the activity models.
The latest findings by Oil Field DBR... |
Problem Statement: Example with a mix of MDEA and piperazine as activator | Solution: Attached is an example file with Piperazine which is supported by the DBR Amine package in Aspen HYSYS.
To add piperazine to the model do the following:
1. Go to Basis Environment | Fluid Package tab and click Add.
2. Select COM Thermo Radio button at the top
3. Under COM Thermo, select DBR amine package.
4... |
Problem Statement: How do I create a PIMSEE local database? | Solution: A PIMSEE local database is a PIMS input database created with MSDE (Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine) and maintained on a user's local machine. The user has to create an SQL instance with name 'PIMSEE' for any local database. Refer to solution 128271 'How to create a PIMSEE instance in SQL server' for deta... |
Problem Statement: In Aspen PIMS Enterprise Edition (PIME-EE), when you try to point to a PIMS-EE database from SQL server, a message, 'The ConnectionString property has not been initialized', pops up. What does that mean? And how to resolve it? | Solution: In order to run PIMSEE, PIMS version needs to match its compatible database version. Below is the list,
PIMS version
Database verion
7.2
1.37
7.1
1.36
2006.5
1.35
2006
1.35
2004
1.35
The above warning message will pop up when you have incompatible PIMS version and database version. For example, if you are u... |
Problem Statement: Is it always required to configure data source for Aspen PIMS Enterprise Edition (PIMSEE)? | Solution: Data source is not always needed for PIMSEE application, it depends on where your database is located. The PIMSEE database could reside on either a server or the local machine. If it is located on a local machine, we called it local database. Here we are using SQL database for this example.
If the database is... |
Problem Statement: How to test Aspen Cim-IO Store & Forward (S&F). | Solution: During normal operation S&F operates in the background by checking the connection between the Aspen Cim-IO client processes and the Aspen Cim-IO server processes. If the connection is broken, data is buffered in the store file on the Aspen Cim-IO server until the connection is re established.
Testing S&F
1. ... |
Problem Statement: How do I convert a model and connect to PIMS-EE model? | Solution: Procedure to convert a model and connect to a PIMSEE model
1. Back up the model before beginning this procedure.
At the end of the procedure, the original spreadsheets will not be altered. However, the model file *.pimx will be altered, meaning that one will not be able to go back to the original state of... |
Problem Statement: How can the user set overhead stream purity as the end condition in a batch distillation process? | Solution: In one operation step, the user can go to the End Condition tab and select "Trigger value" as the step end condition. The example screenshot below demonstrates how the user can select the variable location (Distillate receiver), variable (overall mole fraction), and 99% mole basis methanol purity.
Keywords: P... |
Problem Statement: What are Aspen PIMS Enterprise Edition (PIMSEE) local database features? | Solution: In PIMSEE, there is a special database, called 'Local Database' which should be located on your local machine with a special instance name called 'PIMSEE'. Any PIMSEE database created under this instance is a local database.
If it is a local dataset, PIMSEE will recognize it. There is no need to configure any... |
Problem Statement: How do I convert an Aspen PIMS model to PIMS-EE? | Solution: To convert an Aspen PIMS model to PIMS-EE, first step is to configure a PIMS-EE data source if Aspen PIMS database is not a local database. Refer to solution 128225 for how to create a local database.
PIMS-EE data source is a linkage between PIMS-EE enterprise database and Aspen PIMS application, please refer... |
Problem Statement: In PIMS-EE, after creating a data source, the user wants to connect PIMS-EE to the database but there is an error message popped up saying 'The ConnectionString property has not been initialized'. | Solution: First, you have to have PIMS 17.5.6 and higher installed. There is a known issue while creating the data source in prior versions.
Secondary, you have to have a correct version of the database created for PIMS-EE to work. Take SQL database as an example. Make sure you have Microsoft SQL server 2005 installe... |
Problem Statement: When the user is trying to import an Aspen Properties backup file (*. aprbkp) which contains regressed or estimated property parameters in Aspen Batch Modeler, the following warning messages are displayed:
The importing of the aspen properties file will therefore not be possible. How can these warnin... | Solution: When a user is preparing an Aspen Properties file, sometimes estimated or regressed missing property parameters are needed. This can be done by changing the Analysis mode to Regression or Estimation mode, as shown in the screenshot below.
If the user leaves the simulation file in Regression (or Estimation) mo... |
Problem Statement: Why overhead Reflux drum specifications are grayed out even when the “Reflux Drum present” check box is selected? | Solution: By default, the Reflux drum specification is grayed out even when the “Reflux Drum present” check box is selected.
To specify Reflux drum physical dimensions (e, g. Head type, diameter, Length etc), first enable the Pressure profile and holdups calculation mode.
To enable this, select the Pressure/Holdups... |
Problem Statement: Some users have reported issues with running the ICARUS reports where the reports will not run. This is caused by the Crystal Reports installation not working correctly with mixed Windows and Office installations. | Solution: --------------
*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
IF YOUR CONFIGURATION IS WINDOWS 2000 WITH MICROSOFT OFFICE XP INSTALLED, THIS IS NOT A SUPPORTED CONFIGURATION F... |
Problem Statement: After relocating a project to another plant location, the Craft Rates seem very high, some almost 5 times higher than the default rates seen in the Icarus | Solution: Take a look at page 315 of the Decision Analyzer User Guide (8-15).
There is an explanation on the Field Craft rates, which explains that the Field Craft Rates are a nearly all-in rate (loaded rate), which means that each craft rate is a unique composite of the following rate contributions:
1. Craf... |
Problem Statement: The Advanced Editor is opened from within Bulkload. However, entries in GlobalData in the Advanced Editor are not being written to the SQL Database. When does the Bulkload program write to the database? | Solution: The Bulkload program only writes to the database when the Commit button is pushed.
The Advanced Editor has two modes of operation.
The first is if it is launched from the Website. In this mode any changes made are written to the database when the Apply or Ok buttons on the Edit dialog are selected.
The second... |
Problem Statement: Perhaps you have two refineries between which you do transfers and they are distant from each other. If they are not connected by a pipeline but by a slower mode of transportation such as railway, you may encounter a situation when a transfer which is shipped from refinery A in one period reaches it... | Solution: Steps here need to be applied to the XPIMS Sample Model in order to represent the fact that certain amount of transfers might reach the destination only in the next period. Here we will be showing transfer of a finished good between plants B and A – material made at plant B and transferred to plant A.
XPIMS S... |
Problem Statement: When running the SynchEM tool you may get an error like below;
Failed to load groups from Aspen Event Management database using connection string "Provider=SQLOLEDB.1;User ID=emsynch;Initial Catalog=SCEMDB;Data Source=blabla;Password=(pwd)".
Invalid object name 'GROUPPROFILE'. :::: at AspenTech.Sec... | Solution: The problem is in the way the synch tool references the object "GROUPPROFILE". The user account needs to be SCEM since it will default to the SCEM database.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Aspen Event Management (EM) installation and configuration manuals have many references to using the Event Management Wizard during setup, configuration and usage.
The Wizard can be started in two different ways
a) Start | Programs | AspenTech | Operations Manager | Event Management | Event Manag... | Solution: The process EM uses to render the initial web page can be described as
1.) Request is made to a url like http://machine_name/wizard
2.) IIS receives the request and looks up in its configuration to see if there is a default page to use.
3.) IIS should find default.htm is one of the pages to use by def... |
Problem Statement: Why does the duty specified for Pot under Operating Step fall down to zero before the end condition is met? | Solution: By default, Aspen Batch Modeler linearly ramps down the duty to 0 if the volume of liquid in the pot falls to below 0.5 % of the vessel volume. The pot content may fall to 0.5% of its volume if the Heat duty rate is sufficiently high or initial liquid content in the pot is small. So even when the end conditio... |
Problem Statement: After running the Batch Modeler program I would like to create a plot from the plot templates for product composition. When I select the composition template, I get the following error message:
"Unhandled exception has occurred in a component in your application. If you click Continue, the applicatio... | Solution: The unhandled exception occurs because the name of the component selected in the list of components for the plot, contains a mix of alphanumeric characters.
To solve this issue, please follow the next steps:
1. First of all restart the simulation ( ).
2. Go to the Species Form and on the Property calculatio... |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes how to use the maximum number of vehicles that can be loaded in a period as a constraint in the solution to the Aspen Distribution Scheduler model. | Solution: The standard Aspen Distribution Scheduler CAP as configured does not use a constraint on the maximum number of vehicles for a mode at a location in a time period. However, there are maximum loading constraints by mode at a location in a time period which could serve as a very close surrogate for maximum vehic... |
Problem Statement: How do I assign a scale value in an Optimization run? | Solution: The Scale factor value is assigned to guide the Optimization solver to put relative importance on different constraints. The iteration procedure will assign higher priority to solve the constraints which scale has large values. Usually, the smaller the constraint (i.e. tighter value), the larger should be t... |
Problem Statement: How do I find tutorials or example files for Aspen Batch Distillation? | Solution: Tutorials can be found in the Help menu inside the Aspen Batch Distillation application.
Tutorials:
Open Aspen Batch Distillation application:
Start / Programs / Process Modeling V7.1 / Aspen Batch Distillation
then on the toolbar please go to Help / Aspen Batch Distillation Contents
then expand + (sign) "G... |
Problem Statement: Batch Distillation block in Aspen Plus V7.1 and V7.2 checks out multiple licenses when model is re-run. In addition to checking out multiple licenses, it deducts 18 tokens for each license checkout instance instead of 9. This Problem occurs only when BatchSep is used from within Aspen Plus and BatchS... | Solution: This problem is fixed for Batch Distillation block in Aspen Plus V7.3. To solve the problem at this time, we encourage customers to get a new updated license file which will include SLM_BatchSep _in_ap entry. Getting a new license file will solve this problem and reduces token usage by half for each license c... |
Problem Statement: Error Message "Input String was not in a correct format" | Solution: Go to Settings/Control Panel/Regional and Language Options Select English(Canada) and hit OK.
(There seems to be a bug in the internationalization features in .Net Framework 2.0 that is probably causing the failure that you see.)
Keywords: ASPEN BATCHSEP 2006.5
INPUT STRING
SYSTEM EXCEPTION
FORMAT
Referen... |
Problem Statement: The batch distillation column can be initialized properly without air or nitrogen, but if non-condensables like air is in the charge, the column will not initialize. | Solution: Typically, the column is initialize to total reflux. This means that the vapor coming off the top stage has to be totally condensed. When any non-condensable gas exists, this will not be possible. As a result, the initialization fails.
If in fact you change contains non-condensable, the recommended approach... |
Problem Statement: During an Aspen Batch Distillation run, the Integrator sometimes fails during the transition between operating steps. | Solution: Often times convergence failure occurs around a discontinuity (when the failure occurs around the time it says "Restarting Integrator etc."). A work around for this problem is to go to the Solver Options | Integrator tab and uncheck the "Interpolate communication time" check box. When the Interpolate communic... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, it is difficult in figuring out what determines the initial conditions for each batch in multi batch distillation. On the first batch, the conditions specified in the Initial Conditions form are used. One may expect to have the system go back to the conditions set in the Initial Conditions... | Solution: In multi batch operation, initial condition on each subsequent batch is determined by the conditions set after the end of the last batch. sometimes operating specifications like Condenser Pressure, Jacket Duty etc. are modified in an Operating Step and those will remain at the modified value at the start of t... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Batch Distillation V7.1 new features | Solution: This is Japanese solution. Please see attached pdf file. (Japanese)
Keywords: V7.1
New features.
Release
References: None |
Problem Statement: Initialization fails to converge at total reflux with fixed pressures and holdups. | Solution: When pressure and holdups are fixed, no hydraulic data is available. The key issue is now how to compute the flows. There are two methods implemented in Aspen BatchSep: Energy-balance and High-gain-controller.
For the Energy-balance a quasi-steady-state energy balance equation is used to determine the vapor f... |
Problem Statement: One can specify the initial condition as either Empty or Total reflux. In the Empty condition, the column is initially filled with nitrogen or air at the specified initial temperature and initial pressure. To use this option, the component list must include a component with one of the names: NITROGEN... | Solution: It is correct that the input GUI will be marked as incomplete if initial condition is empty and a component named "N2", "NITROGEN" or "AIR" is not in the component list. The empty script sets the inert component by looking for "NITROGEN", or "AIR" in that order. Possible work around is to create a component w... |
Problem Statement: How to Reduce Aspen Batch Distillation Run Time? | Solution: Aspen Batch Distillation run time significantly depends on the number of variables and equations are being solved. Larger the number of equations or variables; the slower the run time will be. Here are some important points also needed to consider:
1) The number of components in the simulation: For every com... |
Problem Statement: How to avoid the error when changing the operating step | Solution: This is Japanese solution. Please see attached pdf file. (Japanese)
Keywords: Operating step
Error
Converge
References: None |
Problem Statement: What composition is taken, when column is empty? | Solution: When a column is started at empty, it is filled up with nitrogen at the user-specified Initial T and P (Initial conditions\Main tab).
As material is charged into the pot, it usually takes a while for some of the charged material to vaporize and then condense. Until condensation starts occurring, there is no l... |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between Aspen BatchFrac and Aspen BatchSep? | Solution: Both products are batch distillation simulation packages. Aspen BatchFrac is a discontinued product that runs as a layered product inside Aspen Plus. AspenTech is no longer selling any new Aspen BatchFrac licenses. Existing customers will still be allowed to use this product until the license expires. The ico... |
Problem Statement: I'm running a simple distillation. In this specific example, I'm setting the reflux ratio to nearly zero (evaporation step) with a constant heating duty on the reboiler. I'm using the fixed pressure option. After a while, the vapor and the liquid flowrates are featuring peaks, i.e. they increase sudd... | Solution: The default algorithm used to compute flows when pressures and holdups are fixed can give odd results sometimes.
First, please make sure to install Batch Sep 2004.1 cumulative patch 5 (see http://support.aspentech.com/webteamcgi/SolutionDisplay_view.cgi?key=119457)?
In this patch, we implemented an altern... |
Problem Statement: What is the best way to migrate an Aspen Plus model containing a BatchFrac block to Aspen BatchSep? | Solution: Aspen BatchFrac was discontinued in 2003 and was replaced by Aspen BatchSep (see solution 117767). The two products are not compatible and therefore there is no interface for the migration. The below procedure outlines the steps to transfer the property and component data from Aspen Plus to Aspen BatchSep. Th... |
Problem Statement: Use Edit Using Aspen Properties option to configure the properties in BatchSep, everything appears to be fine, but when I return to BatchSep, I do not get component list under Component List/Default. | Solution: The reason might be, File/Save As was used to save Aspen Properties file. Once this option is used, the file is saved to different location other than the rest of the BatchSep files and BatchSep will not be able to locate the properties file. Once Save as option is used, no matter how many times you revisit A... |
Problem Statement: How to use the rigorous property calculation option in Aspen Batch Modeler. | Solution: Steps to use rigorous property calculation option in Aspen Batch distillation (Aspen Batch Modeler):
1. In Aspen Batch distillation (batch modeler), Click on Species section. Check the Rigorous as the property calculation option (as shown below)
2. Click on the Edit Using Aspen Properties button (... |
Problem Statement: How can an AutoCAD symbol (.dwg or .dxf) be imported and compiled to be used into ABE using the Graphic Definer interface? | Solution: In order to import and compile an AutoCAD symbol (.dwg or .dxf) to be used into ABE using the Graphic Definer interface, the below procedure has to be followed:
From the ABE ‘Graphics Definer’, open the files with extensions .dwg or .dxf, as the screenshot below shows:
2. After that, one needs to s... |
Problem Statement: When one needs to highlight data modification within a revision. E.g. Suppose that someone changes a temperature data coming from material balance. One would like to highlight that change with something similar to a post-it. | Solution: It can be done via a Demon which runs when certain attributes of a specified class change their the values. So, under the KBs folder, one can find the following KB file called: PPID.azkbs under the directory: C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic EngineeringXX.X\WorkspaceLibraries\KBs\ExampleScripts; and add the followin... |
Problem Statement: Where can it be found an attribute to map a set point on a safety valve's datasheet (see screenshot below for reference): | Solution: There is an attribute at a datasheet template coming OOTB (out-of-the-box) called: AZ Safety Pressure Valve.xlsm (it can be also found under the Datasheets folder: C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic EngineeringXX.X\WorkspaceLibraries\Datasheets). This uses some attributes which can be useful for this case. For example... |
Problem Statement: When I try to find in the Class Library Editor an 'Allowable Pressure Drop' attribute to create a class view for a filter's datasheet, there are many alternatives to choose from the classes. | Solution: This attribute in specific can be found under ‘Filter Design Criteria’, so in that case the right one to map and select is: ‘FilterDesignCriteria’ Filter class as ‘PressureDrop’. See screenshot below as reference:
Keywords: 'Allowable Pressure Drop' attribute, Filter, ‘FilterDesignCriteria’.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Example of a rule to create a collection of global process equipment from a workspace or project, in order to show their item numbers. | Solution: This is the statement of a rule to create a collection of global process equipment from a workspace or project:
AZRule ListPipingSystemst()
set cPS = ClassStore.FindClass("PipingSystem")
set mPS = cPS.Members
mPS.Sort = " NameSort "
mPS.refresh
for each oPS in mPS
server.trace 1, oPS.I... |
Problem Statement: When trying to access to the symbols folder library in the Drawing Editor using a Citrix environment, the folder is not fully accessible. | Solution: This issue happens due to some server configuration issues. Below a procedure which might help:
In the server machine where ABE Server is installed we have to:
a. Define the whole path for symbols and datasheets:
Grant permission for users to read these folders. We do this directly in AspenZyqadSer... |
Problem Statement: There are some cases when one wants to make visible on the Drawing Editor symbol’s library the nozzles for a pump or for different objects created. | Solution: The nozzle symbol can be found in the ‘Pipelines and other connections’ folder (see screenshot below for reference), but it is hidden. In order to place nozzles manually, one just needs to unhide the file (in Windows Explorer). However, nozzles are added automatically when a pipe is drawn connecting to the eq... |
Problem Statement: How to edit and compile a very specific datasheet which contains two equipment in the same datasheet? For example, in one of the pages includes something similar to ABE’s equipment list and the nozzles within it. | Solution: An ABE datasheet can only relate to one piece of equipment.
There are two cases:
An equipment datasheet shows data from items that are strictly separate pieces of equipment, but only exist within the context of the parent. A vessel datasheet might show instruments, but the instruments are really part of the... |
Problem Statement: How can one copy object data via a Demon script in ABE? | Solution: You can calculate values via a Demon which runs when certain attributes of a specified class. So, under the KBs folder one can add the Demon .azkbs file under the directory: C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic EngineeringXX.X\WorkspaceLibraries\KBs\ExampleScripts. A script code file is attached.
Keywords: Copy object d... |
Problem Statement: Is there a way to make visible the instruments symbol’s folder in the Drawing Editor for P&ID? | Solution: In order to add a new folder inside the Symbols Library, for example the instruments folder for P&ID, one has to update the .xml file related to the P&IDs (PPID.xml) found under the workspace’s templates folder. One just have to add them editing and including those folders on the PPID.xml file using Notepad o... |
Problem Statement: When one tries to use one of the symbols available under the Drawing Editor’s symbols library, the symbol does not allow some users to connect properly with another object or even can be seen on its folder’s library. | Solution: This occurs due to OS permissions have not been set properly to the user. In order to check the OS permissions settings on a symbol's file, the procedure below has to be followed:
Right click on a Symbol file (.sym) which you can see on the Drawing Editor’s symbols library.
Select properties from the context... |
Problem Statement: Column profile data can easily be extracted from Aspen using VBA. Unfortunately, some info is missing that may be used for definition of auxiliaries like instruments or analysers (viscosity, heat capacity, surface tension, density, etc.).
Is there a capability in Aspen Plus similar to the one used i... | Solution: Aspen Plus VBA does not have that functionality as Pro-II. However, one can connect a pseudo stream moving the feed tray using VBA, iteratively recalculate and retrieve the next tray's stream properties.
Keywords: VBA, Tray’s Stream Variables, Pseudo stream.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to setup a centralized SQL Server to host Aspen Properties Database for V9 or later version | Solution: Go to the Engineering suite installation media folder for v9 and right click the setup.exe and run as administrator:
Select the Install AspenONE products option:
Accept the terms of the agreement and click Next:
Uncheck every option and search for the Aspen Properties Enterprise Database Server insi... |
Problem Statement: After installing Aspen EDR V10, the program becomes unresponsive and closes when accessing the menus for Drawings (e.g. "Setting plan" and "Tube Layout"). | Solution: This is probably due to the fact that the newly installed version 10 is not registered, and other versions are installed on the same machine. In order to fix this, please use the "Set Version - Aspen EDR V10" utility and set the new version (36.1).
Keywords: Set Version, Drawings, Crash
References: None |
Problem Statement: I prefer to run with the option Open Report Windows turned on so that I have all the reports which I want to check open. However when I am running more cases this makes it difficult for me to go back to the beginning and check the Execution Log or to just jump from one case to another if they are not... | Solution: One way of quicker navigation through many open windows is to click on the Windows tab and then select "More Windows" as shown below:
This way toggling is quick and there is no need to re-open and thanks to the list the time spent looking up the report we're interested in is minimised.
Keywords: None
Ref... |
Problem Statement: When opening a spreadsheet template on Datasheet Definer without having loaded the workspace firstly, the Object Class View field is shown empty under the Datasheet Properties window: | Solution: The workflow to follow is:
Open Datasheet Definer V10.
Load and open a workspace under the ABE Datasheet Definer (ribbon) | Workspace.
Then, open the spreadsheet template from File | Open.
Once it is open one can see that the Object Class View field under the Datasheet Properties window shows the link properl... |
Problem Statement: How to disable the ABE naming DLL. | Solution: The naming DLL can be replaced with the naming script. Under the ‘StandardLibrarySet.cfg’ file that is shipped with ABE, one will see a section as follows:
# KB Configuration
KBScriptDirectory = "KBS"
ManagedKBsDirectory= "KBS"
ExcludedManagedKBs = "TEF.DataSvcImpl"
This has to be modified to look as foll... |
Problem Statement: How can values be calculated via a Demon script in ABE? | Solution: You can calculate values via a Demon which runs when certain attributes of a specified class. So, under the KBs folder one can add the Demon .azkbs file under the directory: C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic EngineeringXX.X\WorkspaceLibraries\KBs\ExampleScripts. Below the script code for a pressure vessel calculation... |
Problem Statement: When trying to access to the Aspen Plus Online Help the following text appears:
"Help landing page does not exist" | Solution: This issue occurs due to a corrupted Aspen Plus installation since the help files could not be saved on the right folder. Hence, in order to solve this issue one has two alternatives:
1) Repair the installation of Aspen Plus.
2) Or, if one check this directory: C:\ProgramData\AspenTech\Aspen Plus VX.X\Htm... |
Problem Statement: How to handle the Out of Memory Failure Imminent warning in DMC3 Builder? | Solution: The Out of Memory Failure Imminent warning typically occurs you are using more than about 1000 MB of memory. You can monitor and reduce your memory usage as follows:
Open the Windows Task Manager by right-clicking on the Task Bar at the bottom of the screen.
On Windows 8 and later you may need to click "Mo... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED) is needed on a remote server and user wants to access a database on that server from a client PC using the Aspen Properties Database Manager. | Solution: SQL installation and network settings
Install SQL express 2012 or any version above (2012 is included on the installation media)
Complete the installation as default, just set the SQL browser service to Automatic:
After the SQL is installed, check that it is enabled over the firewall, for that go to Cont... |
Problem Statement: Example of how to expose Equipment Tag Numbers and Datasheet Document Numbers to a Bridge for Bulk Renaming. | Solution: The example helps to develop a class view to expose the ItemNumber attribute for an equipment item and the DocumentNumber attribute for a datasheet. The overall objective is to expose these data to a Bridge to rename equipment and documents in bulk to meet a client’s standards.
The solution comprises the fol... |
Problem Statement: Implementation of the functional group approach and step-growth kinetics for a novel biomass-derived polyester in Aspen Plus.
Background
Aspen Plus contains a database on step-growth polymers which includes several well-known, industrially-produced polymers, such as PET, PBT, PC or Nylon 6. It is pos... | Solution: 1. First, the main species are identified and the segments defined. The conventional species considered are the monomers and water. The diol and diacids polymerize to form the corresponding polyesters, which are composed of terminal (T-) and bound (B-) segments. These species are defined under the Properties ... |
Problem Statement:
With the sunset of Aspen Batch Modeler, can I convert my Aspen Batch Modeler files to Aspen Plus V10 files? | Solution: .
The attached conversion utility allows you to automatically generate an Aspen Plus V10 equivalent file starting from a Batch Modeler file.
Instructions.
Please follow the instructions on the attached ABM to Aspen Plus V10 Converter Guide.pdf for using the converter.
After performing the co... |
Problem Statement: How do I increase the file size upload limit on the Auto-Upload Tool? | Solution: In order to increase the upload limit on the Auto-Upload Tool, please go through the following steps on your license server:
1. Open “C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\ALC\Xml\HttpsXmlDoc.xml” file in Notepad.
2. Update MaxRequestLength value to the file size limit desired in bytes (for e... |
Problem Statement: How do I increase the file size upload limit on the Auto-Upload Tool? | Solution: In order to increase the upload limit on the Auto-Upload Tool, please go through the following steps on your license server:
1. Open “C:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\ALC\Xml\HttpsXmlDoc.xml” file in Notepad.
2. Update MaxRequestLength value to the file size limit desired in bytes (for e... |
Problem Statement: When opening and running a simulation file in Aspen HYSYS or Aspen Plus in a Solo installation, then pressing the Datasheet new functionality incorporated on V10, the ABE Explorer cannot be accessed and seen under the simulator’s GUI. | Solution: This issue occurs due to a process which is not triggered to initialize when clicking on the Datasheet button. The process can be seen when opening the Task Manager under Processes (tab):
When the OwinHost process is not initialized, it impedes to connect to ABE from Aspen HYSYS or Aspen Plus. Hence, ABE E... |
Problem Statement: Where can I find a list of all the queries available to be used under ABE Query Editor? | Solution: Under the following folder:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Engineering VXX.X\UserServices\Help
One can find this file: AZDBQuery.chm. If one double-clicks and open this file, the ABE Query Editor Help will be shown:
Navigating through all the topics one can find different information about the codes a... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to create a design specification with variable tolerance and limits? | Solution: Attached is an example of a Design Specification with variable tolerance and limits. See file - Design-spec2.bkp.
A design specification designates that the inlet and outlet entropies of a Heater block HX1 are equal. The temperature of HX1 is chosen as the manipulated variable. Temperature limits cannot be se... |
Problem Statement: What do the column labels in the Raw Data tab of the Usage and Denials Transactional Report spreadsheet mean? | Solution: This KB describes the meaning of the different columns of “Raw Data” tab in the Monthly Report, which is available through the AspenTech Support website.
See KB 145209 for instructions on how to access and download the usage reports from the AspenTech Support Website.
Column Label
Description
Transaction ID... |
Problem Statement: After a significant change to some variables, an equation-oriented simulation fails to converge. Is there any way to improve the convergence? | Solution: Equation-Oriented process simulation models offer powerful and very fast solutions, even for large-scale plant models with heat integration and multiple recycles which could be difficult to converge. However, even state-of-art solvers can fail to converge when significant changes are made to specified variabl... |
Problem Statement: You create an Aspen Custom Model and you want to access the computer time in a script - for example to display the time that an event occurs. | Solution: You can access the computer's time by using "now", as shown below and in the attached screenshot.
To get a timestamp with date and time, simply use "now":
application.msg " Timestamp: " & now
To select certain elements of the timestamp use the keywords year, month, day, hour, minute and second:
application... |
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