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Problem Statement: After the Report Writer is installed, you try to run a template from within Excel. When you click on the Run button, you get the following error messages:
ReportExecutor Object could not be created
the ATReportExecutor instance was not been created
Report Writer doesn't run, nor can you edit a temp... | Solution: This error appears because the AspenRpt.dll was not properly registered during the installation.
Follow this procedure, which has solved the problem in several cases:
1) In Excel, hit Alt + F11, which will open the VBA editor. Go to Tools |
Keywords: None
References: s and check whether there is one line tha... |
Problem Statement: The Flowsheet report offers several functionalities that may not be obvious and can be very helpful in finding and analyzing data.
We present here a list of tips that can help to use the Flowsheet report in a more efficient way:
How to see only a subset of streams (or one stream, if you want to track... | Solution: How to see only a subset of streams (or one stream, if you want to track sources and dispositions)
Go to the menu, View | Stream Visibility | Hide Individual Streams
Keep the stream(s) that you want to view in the flowsheet on the left window (Visible Streams), and move the rest of the streams to the right ... |
Problem Statement: Why am I getting error message Square brackets not in pair when I define a formula for a tag? | Solution: To troubleshoot this error message, you should make sure that,
Tag name is defined in square bracket
Square brackets should be in pairs, and make sure you close the square bracket after the name of the tag
Keywords: bracket, tag name
References: None |
Problem Statement: The information that you need to track for a given stream in an Aspen PIMS model may include the material balance, the properties, blending information, marginal values and pricing, etc.
All this data is available in different reports or in different sections of the same report (e.g. the Full | Solution: report).
However, there is no report that shows all relevant information for a stream consolidated in one single page.
Solution
The attached Report Writer Template allows to track all the relevant information for a given stream in one page.
It will identify what type of stream (feedstock, final product, blend... |
Problem Statement: Occasionally, after an Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP.21) and Aspen Production Record Manager (APRM) server restart, units in the BCU Scheduling Table will show up as Load Failed. This is most likely because the BCU Server unit processing began before the Infoplus.21 tag data was available. The Process Data c... | Solution: This situation can be avoided by ensuring that the BCU unit processing does not start before the necessary process data components are available in Infoplus.21. To do this, take the following steps:
1. In the BCU Server Manager, uncheck the box to Begin unit scheduling automatically when the BCU Service start... |
Problem Statement: How do I build MPIMS Tables using the 'Generate Global Model Tables' feature? | Solution: A global model links multiple local models together and allows for interaction between them. MPIMS is a separately licensed feature that must be purchased in order to use this capability. When setting up a global model, there are several required tables and many optional ones. Many of these tables have entrie... |
Problem Statement: A customer recently reported that he experienced problems every time he ran Aspen PIMS. There were frequent warning messages about not being able to delete work files, occasional aborted runs and even PIMSWIN crashes.
These problems were encountered under Aspen PIMS versions 2006 and 2006.5. | Solution: This particular company uses an automatic backup utility, Veritas Backup Exec, that runs in the background and backs up files from the computers to a folder on a company server. When the backup utility was turned off, the problems stopped. If you are experiencing similar problems, check if your machine is uti... |
Problem Statement: This procedure documents how to configure the CIMIO for Setcim/IP.21 Interface when connecting to multiple IP.21 servers. | Solution: For each IP.21 server that you are connecting to, assign a unique logical device name (eg. CIMIOSETCIM_200, CIMIOSETCIM_300, etc) and services port number (eg. 22001/tcp, 22002/tcp, etc). In IP.21 v4.1 and higher, the group number is no longer relevant, and thus, you can assign any number to each IP.21 server... |
Problem Statement: After a data reconciliation run with Aspen Utilities model loaded via Aspen Online, Aspen Online cannot initiate an optimization run. Attempting to run optimization results in:
Err description: The process cannot access the file 'C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\AUEditorsLog.log' because it is being used by another | Solution: To resolve the issue you should carry out the following checks:
Check to make sure that you do not have a minus - sign in the name of any of the block variable in your Aspen Utilities model.
Make sure that the beginning letter in each block of variables in Aspen Utilities is not a number or symbol.
Check to m... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to localize Batch.21 to languages other than those provided with Service Pack 2 for version 4.1? | Solution: The attached kit allows users to localize Batch.21 software and help files to languages other than the ones provided by AspenTech.
Keywords: language
translate
local
localize
international
References: None |
Problem Statement: Which ini file enables the stored procedures (psoft or psoftG)? Some of the users report GUI problems when UseSP=1 is in both ini files | Solution: Here is a break down on the USESP setting. This setting should be in the psoftg.ini file. The setting can be used only if the client has run the IO package upgrade on their database. If the IO scripts have not been run on then database then it can cause GUI problems if this setting is turned on. The ?USESP? s... |
Problem Statement: Some customers generate and save Batch.21 Web Reports with preset queries so the user only has to select them and run the query. The user shouldn't have to see the Datasource and Area and the Batch Query Criteria options maximized. These options can be hidden manually by pressing the button on the ri... | Solution: If you are just trying to have your users automatically launch a previously generated report, you can bypass the Reporting.aspx page altogether and use the RunReport.aspx page by passing in the following information pertaining to the saved report:
- batch data source name that report is saved under
- batch ar... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, when user installs PIMS on top of existing version, such as install a new build on another build within a major release. He/She may encounter problem later when he/she tries to uninstall the application. | Solution: Three ways to uninstall PIMS application,
1. Use Aspen Uninstall tools from Start | All Programs | AspenTech | Uninstall Aspen Tech Software.
2. Use window Add/Remove from Control Panel | Add or Remove Programs.
3. If either one works, then user needs to use a window uninstall cleanup utility.... |
Problem Statement: Is the timestamp for a Aspen Process Explorer aggregate value set at the beginning, the middle or the end of the aggregate period? | Solution: The Aspen Process Explorer default timestamp anchor is the beginning of the aggregate period. If this is not desirable, then the timestamp anchor can be changed in the trend properties.
1. Right Click on the Trend and select Properties.
2. On the Sampling tab select the aggregate type which will mak... |
Problem Statement: When saving a report or plot created with the Aspen Production Record Manager (APRM) Web Reporting tool, you are not given an option to choose the directory location to save those files. Where are these reports or plots saved? | Solution: By default the reports are saved to the following directory location on the APRM server
Windows 2003: <drive>\ProgramFiles\AspenTech\Batch.21\Data\Reports\Queries
Windows 2008: <drive>\ProgramData\AspenTech\Production Record Manager\Data\Reports\Queries
Similarly plots are saved under the following director... |
Problem Statement: Batch.21 triggers can be configured to run command line programs. Often times someone will want to run a system command, or perhaps execute an SQL Query. You find this option in the BCU Administrator on the trigger command's general tab.
What is the correct syntax for a post trigger command that runs... | Solution: The following is an example of a command that would execute a saved SQL script.
%SETCIMCODE%\\IQ %b21%\\batch.sql
Also note in the BCU Administrator GUI when configuring this type of trigger that command line arguments can also be specified.
Keywords: trigger
command
batch
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I know when my PFD is converged? | Solution: The status bar is situated near the bottom left hand corner of the application window, and indicates convergence status. A green color indicates that the simulation is converged, a yellow color means the simulation is converged with warning(s) and a red color means theSolution has not converged and there are ... |
Problem Statement: When I create the tags using GUI I get the tag descriptions from DCS. When I create the tags using a text file (CSV file) I do not get the tag descriptions. I checked the text file to make sure that I am not loading the tag descriptions. How do I get the tag descriptions? | Solution: RTExec performs tag validation during importing. Aspen Online (AOL) made this an on-demand event.
In the Client GUI, if you go to Tools menu you should see the Tag validation menu item. There are two sub-menu items for tag validation. One option is to validate all relevant tags. The other option is to valid... |
Problem Statement: The following problem has been reported for several different models using the XPRESS optimizer:
You get an optimal | Solution: with a given capacity not bounded (no MAX).
In a CASE, you put a MAX higher than theSolution value for this capacity and now you get an unboundedSolution.
What is the reason for this behavior and how can it be fixed?
Solution
This is related to a problem with the matrix Presolve feature of the XPRESS optimize... |
Problem Statement: As explained in Knowledgebase | Solution: 108040, Batch.21 has undergone many major design changes between versions, particularly in the relational database structures. Section 3 of the document Batch.21 V4.1 Installation Manual for Windows 98, 2000 and NT is entitled Upgrading Batch.21 from V4.0. It is intended that the version 5.x installation manu... |
Problem Statement: Oracle treats empty strings as null values. The CHAR_BATCH_DATA table has a constraint where the characteristic''s value must be a non-null value. If an InfoPlus.21 tag that is used as the source for a Batch.21 characteristic, and has an empty value (as opposed to a single space which is accepted by ... | Solution: Implementing a database trigger which detects the presence of a NULL value and transforms it into a single space should provide a workaround to this Oracle limitation. The trigger can be attached to the CHAR_BATCH_DATA table, and will only execute when the value is determined to be NULL.
The following script ... |
Problem Statement: What''s the difference between archive and backup? | Solution: Backup:
The Batch.21 Backup Tool allows you to backup batch AND configuration data for specified batches into a single file. This is useful if you want to copy data from an online system to an offline system for testing purposes. The backup file can be restored using the restore procedure.
Archive:
The Batch.... |
Problem Statement: Error running Aspen Database Wizard on laptop: error enumerating data servers - also, user not associated with a trusted SQL server connection | Solution: Within SQL Server, it is necessary to define the Authentication mode as SQL Server and Windows, also known as MIXEDmode in SQL 2000.
To set up Mixed Mode security from Enterprise Manager:
Find the server in question in the Enterprise Manager.
Right-click the server, and then click Properties.
Click the Securi... |
Problem Statement: No new Batch data is been generated. The BCU log reports:
Error: Relational Database Error -2147217900: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Violation of PRIMARY KEY constraint Cannot insert duplicate key in object 'batches'.: Execute stored procedure BATCH21_SP_INSERT_BATCH Failed! | Solution: Examine the SQL script referenced in the error message (in this case it is BATCH21_SP_INSERT_BATCH) and the (2) Batch.21 tables: ID_COUNTERS and BATCHES.
Make sure that in the ID_COUNTERS table, the value for the counter corresponds to the number of batches within the BATCHES table. If not, set the ID_COUNTER... |
Problem Statement: Modelers frequently wish to represent a loss term in an Aspen PIMS submodel. Such a loss term might represent a waste stream, or an extra term to force the submodel to balance on a weight basis.
Aspen PIMS provides a reserved tag, LOS, for this purpose. This | Solution: describes the advantages of using the tag LOS for a loss term.
Solution
To demonstrate a loss term, we added an artificial stream to a submodel. Two versions of the model were created: the first version uses the tag XXX for the loss term; the second version uses the tag LOS. We will show the Aspen PIMS output... |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes AspenTech's position regarding the hosting of multiple Batch.21 databases on a single Oracle server. | Solution: Multiple Batch.21 databases can reside on the same Oracle server as long as the Batch.21 databases are hosted in separate Oracle instances. It is not possible to have two Batch.21 databases in the same Oracle instance.
Keywords: Relational
Support
References: None |
Problem Statement: Are there any symbol libraries or sample graphics available for use in the Aspen Process Graphics Editor for valves, pumps, tanks, pipes, etc.? | Solution: There are a variety of example graphics and symbol library graphics located at:
(32-bit systems)
<drive>:\Program Files\AspenTech\APEx\Samples\GraphicsEditor\Graphics
(64-bit systems)
<drive>:\Program Files (x86)\AspenTech\APEx\Samples\GraphicsEditor\Graphics
These two files in particular have symbols tha... |
Problem Statement: What is the purpose of the Recent Batch Cache in the BCU? | Solution: At any particular trigger time, the BCU must acquire the values of a unit''s designator tags and figure out what batch ID those designator values represent.
It could do this by always simply going to the Batch.21 server and doing a query, but as there are many trigger firings that occur for each batch, cachin... |
Problem Statement: Batch Query Tool returns No key value for list item xx error messages for every row it returns for a query. User is likely to be using a localized version of the Windows operating system (eg. Japanese or Korean). | Solution: The No key value for list item xx error appears because the Batch.21 query tool cannot understand foreign character strings for ''AM'' and ''PM''. This is a problem with some Microsoft functions apparently not handling foreign character strings correctly.
A few workarounds exist:
display the time without the ... |
Problem Statement: After installing Batch.21 version 4.1, the Batch.21 Administrator fails to launch without error. The batch area is created with a error message:
B21BSC-50187: Failed to get area attributes
Each time the area is clicked on to select it, the same error appears. | Solution: Install ER BA032902A. The ER is available from our Support website as Knowledge BaseSolution 108129.
This problem is caused by an Oracle service. TheSolution is to stop the service OracleHTTPServer which is installed during a standard ORACLE installation. This service is started automatically.
Keywords:
Refe... |
Problem Statement: How to properly set the Subbatch Level for Unit Characteristic on the Characteristics tab of the area properties dialog box? | Solution: When configuring an area in the Batch Administrator, you will have to set the proper Subbatch Level for the Unit Characteristic on the Characteristics tab of the area properties dialog box.
Before you can do that, however, you will first have to define the number of subbatch levels defined on the Subbatch Lev... |
Problem Statement: This | Solution: s shows how to upgrade the Batch.21 database from versions 4.1, 5.x and 6.x to the aspenONE versions (2004 and above).
Solution
In the past there was a migration table that needed to be followed when upgrading the various versions of Aspen Batch.21. With aspenONE there is an upgrade wizard that allows the sys... |
Problem Statement: When starting Aspen Process Explorer, the following error is displayed:
Failed to update the system registry. Please try using REGEDIT. | Solution: This error is caused because the application was installed with a non-privileged user. ProcessExplorer.exe must be installed and registered by a privileged user. If it has been, and it is then run by a non-privileged user, the registry error message appears, but the error is resolved, and the program should c... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, due to a system crash or some other undetermined reason, there may be a period of several days when the interface will return the same timestamp for all the data values each time the samples are taken. This could result in thousands of points in history with the same timestamp but differen... | Solution: OneSolution to the above problem would be to run an SQLplus query which would change the IP_TREND_QSTATUS of the affected points in history from GOOD to BAD, thus inserting a gap in history which would prevent undesirable data from being displayed in Process Explorer. Process Explorer does not display data wi... |
Problem Statement: How can I view all database records in the Aspen Tag Browser? Why can't I list (and then plot in Aspen Process Explorer) the custom records I defined?
Customized definition records can be used to create user-specified record types in Aspen InfoPlus.21. These records can be developed to include more p... | Solution: In order for custom records to be found when using the Aspen Tag Browser they must have a corresponding map record. To create a map record, it is necessary to create and configure a record defined by AtMapDef. Map records were conceived to tell Aspen Process Explorer which values (from which field in the reco... |
Problem Statement: The programmable characteristics available in Aspen''s VBA environment can also be made available in the VB environment (functions such as AT_GETAGG, for instance.) | Solution: In Visual Basic, choose Add Components, and then select Aspen Tag (non-visible). If this component is not available, then search for the underlying ActiveX file on your system, which is at_tag.ocx.
Add this tag to a VB form to make available the properties and methods you want to use.
Keywords: VB6
VB5
get ag... |
Problem Statement: If the interface is installed onto an InfoPlus.21 system that runs a non-default group number (anything other than group200), there is an undocumented command line parameter needed for starting the cimio_setcim_dlgp.exe process. | Solution: If your InfoPlus.21 system is being run under group400 for example, the following entries will be needed in the cimio_logical_devices.def file:
IOSETCIM <nodename> CIMIOSETCIM_400 (where <nodename> is the name of the InfoPlus.21 server being used as the CIM-IO server)
There would then need to be an entry in t... |
Problem Statement: If you attempt to install Batch.21 to a root directory (such as C:\) or move an existing installation to a root directory, the warning message
Use of root directory for Batch files is not recommended
is returned. | Solution: This message stems from the fact that the root directory which is shown in the Batch Query Tool scope window must normally be above the saved query file you want to use. If you put the saved files somewhere else, sometimes the the Batch Query Tool can't figure out where the query file is.
Keywords:
Reference... |
Problem Statement: In the BCU it is possible to execute a custom command when a trigger fires. There are restrictions (see | Solution: #108033) and recommendations on how to specify these.
Solution
For complex commands, follow either of these recommendations:
1. cmd /C custom_command where custom_command equals your command(s)
2. Call a batch file from the BCU, where the batch file executes your complex command(s)
Keywords: Batch... |
Problem Statement: In the Full | Solution: Report, under the Process Submodel section for the crude units, I can find the Swing Cut End Points reported.
Is there a way to suppress the logical crude units reporting of end point assays?
Solution
Aspen PIMS automatically generates this report if it finds the FVT property in table ASSAYS for the swing cut... |
Problem Statement: Mapping a large number of model variables to tags in the Aspen OnLine client user interface forms is a difficult process since the mapping is done one variable at a time. Is there a more efficient way of entering the mapping for a large number of variables? | Solution: When there are more than just a few variables to link to tags in Aspen OnLine, the recommended procedure is -
1. Manually add one or two tags in the Aspen OnLine client graphical interface (GUI)
2. Manually add one or two variables in the GUI as well.
3. Manually link those tags and variables in the GUI.
4. E... |
Problem Statement: When trying to add a tag to a unit the Batch.21 Administrator, the following error occurs:
Unable to CCreateNewTagDlg error message | Solution: To resolve this problem re-register the AtBatch21Administrator.dll file.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: When importing an XML file that contains batch areas from another batch system, the following error message may appear:
B21SVR-50201 Permission Denied : Batches | Solution: The above situation was encountered when batch areas from a production server were imported into an identical batch test server. If there are existing batch areas on the test server then the import of unique batch areas via the XML file will not be possible. The error message: B21SVR-50201 Permission Denied: ... |
Problem Statement: Aspen OnLine may fail with the following message in the EngineLog.log file when trying to load any model for execution:
Monday, Sep-16-2002 14:16:30 Client 0 encountered error loading Aspen Utilities model (Example.auf) execution. Err description: (0) | Solution: One cause for the error message is that NT services do not have sufficient memory available. This can be modified by changing a registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Subsystems\Windows
Old value - %SystemRoot%\system32\csrss.exe ObjectDirectory=\Windows SharedSectio... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to localize Batch.21 to languages other than those provided with Service Pack 1 for version 5.0? | Solution: The attached kit allows users to localize Batch.21 software and help files to languages other than the ones provided by AspenTech.
Keywords: language
translate
local
localize
international
References: None |
Problem Statement: When using the Aspen Blend Model Library (ABML), when am I required to recurse the properties of specification blends? | Solution: When implementing ABML, the modeler should recurse properties for a blend under the following circumstances:
1. When using a component-based transform, the index property of the blend must be recursed so that it is visible to the reverse transform. For example, inSolution 121223, which demonstrates the ... |
Problem Statement: In the BCU Administrator, the Scheduler Table shows the Executing Units, and a Progress Time column for each. How is the Progress Time computed and reported? | Solution: Processing Data
When the BCU starts up, each trigger requests a chunk of history data for each tag in its conditions, beginning at whatever time point it left off last time. After this data gets processed, it automatically goes out and gets some more.
In a unit that has Synchronized triggers, the unit will st... |
Problem Statement: Which 4.x versions of Batch.21 client tools work with what 4.x versions of Batch.21 server components? | Solution: The version 4.1.1 client tools are not backwards-compatible to the 4.0.1 server components.
The version 4.0.1 clients tools are compatible with the 4.1.1 server components.
This means that the server can be upgraded first, and the clients later. However, the reverse scenario is not supported. A customer canno... |
Problem Statement: The model is set-up to sell a stream on a volume basis in a weight based model. When the model is run, it generates an optimizer error of the following type:
For XPRESS Optimizer:
98 Error: At line 729 no match for row VBALaaa
For CPLEX Optimizer:
CPLEX Error 1448: Line 729: 'VBALaaa' is not a row ... | Solution: This is typically caused when trying to setup the model to sell a product on a different basis (ie, volume), than the model basis (ie, weight). There are two ways to specify that the material is sold on a volume basis in a weight-based model. The first is to use the PRICE and VOL columns in Table SELL. The se... |
Problem Statement: The Aspen Batch.21 manual and various | Solution: s describe characteristics, subbatches and instances of them separately. This Knowledge Base article provides an answer to the following question: What is the relationship between characteristics, subbatches and instances, and what are the differences between them?Solution
Instances are for repeated actions a... |
Problem Statement: There have been a few cases in which the Batch21Services process consumes a large CPU load when a custom XML-based batch import application imports data to the Batch.21 database. This knowledgebase article provides several suggestions to minimize the load put on the Batch21Services process during suc... | Solution: A significant performance enhancement to the XML batch data import process was put into the cumulative ER for v.6.0.1 and subsequently rolled into v2004.1. This enhancement was tracked as:
CQ00197054: Improve performance for XML batch data import
There was roughly a 3X overall performance improvement for impo... |
Problem Statement: If you are in a position where you have to restore a Batch database from a Batch.21 archive file created with the Backup/Restore utility and the Batch.21 Area does not exist, the archive will not successfully recover unless you prepare the database environment correctly. | Solution: The attempt to restore fails because the Batch.21 area does not exist in the relational database.
Follow these steps to work around the problem:
Open the Batch.21 Administrator.
Create an area named EXACTLY the same as what you want to restore (you do not need to fill out any configuration info.)
Open the Bat... |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides an Aspen SQLPlus query example showing how to query for batches by Batch Handle (Batch_ID). | Solution: LOCAL batch_sources, batch_ds, batch_area, batch;
local Batch_ID INT;
Batch_ID = 1200;
batch_sources = createobject('AspenTech.Batch21.BatchDataSources');
batch_ds = batch_sources('Your_Data_Source');
batch_area = batch_ds.areas('Your_Area');
batch = batch_area.GetBatch(Batch_ID);
write 'BATCH ID: ' || BA... |
Problem Statement: Knowledge base article 115049 describes how to force Aspen Process Explorer to connect to Aspen InfoPlus.21 through synchronous communication by either stopping the Noblenet portmapper or by adding a specific Windows Registry key on the client PC. This knowledge base article describes the differences... | Solution: For queries with a small set of data, the synchronous call is preferred since there is less computational overhead with the synchronous communication process. However, for large queries, the asynchronous calls are more reliable since the caller will not be blocked. Hence there will be no timeouts with asynchr... |
Problem Statement: This knowledge base article describes why the Aspen Batch.21 Application Interface (API) may not return data when the function calls are executed through the Aspen SQLplus Query Writer - even though the other Aspen Batch.21 client tools return data when the same batch or time frame is queried. | Solution: When a user without sufficient privileges attempts to query a secured batch area, no data will be returned to the user. The Aspen SQLplus Query Writer executes all queries under the account which starts the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task service. Therefore, the account which starts the Aspen InfoPlus.21 Task service ... |
Problem Statement: A ComboBox is a standard Microsoft ActiveX control which allows a user to view and select from a list of items. See below for an example.
This knowledge base article describes how to populate a ComboBox with a list of Aspen InfoPlus.21 records & their corresponding descriptions using an Aspen Pro... | Solution: Place the following code in the VBForm's UserForm_Initialize() event so that the ComboBox is populated when the form is loaded. In this example the ODBC data source to the Aspen InfoPlus.21 database is called hklap. Please make sure to change the data source name when you use the code in your environment.
---... |
Problem Statement: When using the Batch Reporting tool in Web.21, the web browser session expires after a certain period of inactivity.
To recreate the situation:
With the Batch Reporting tool in Web.21, select 5 most recent batches.
View batch detail for selected batches
Don't touch any of the browser sessions for lon... | Solution: There a way to configure timeout values for Batch Reports.
Here is step-by-step procedure to adjust the browser timeout values for Batch Reports:
1. Open the web.config file located in C:\inetpub\wwwroot\aspentech\batch.21 directory on the web server machine with notepad or some other document editor.
2.... |
Problem Statement: What is the correct product name, Aspen Online or Aspen Plus Online? | Solution: The product Aspen Plus Online was the online interface for Aspen Plus EO RTO models for Version 11 ONLY.
Since Aspen Plus 12.1, RTO functionality of Aspen Plus Online was merged into the existing Aspen Online product. Refer to the table below.
Simulator Version
Online RTO Interface Product
Comments on Onlin... |
Problem Statement: When adding the 12th condition to a query, the following error is displayed:
B21BSC-50191: Too many characteristic conditions in one query
This error occurs regardless of the method used for submitting the query. For example, it could appear when using the Batch Query Tool, or when submitting a query... | Solution: There is a hard-coded limit to the number of conditions (12) that has existed in all version of Batch.21 up to version 2004. The Batch Server will be enhanced to handle an unlimited number of query conditions starting with the v2004.1 release. Keep in mind that as more conditions are added, performance is dim... |
Problem Statement: Database Wizard fails on Batch.21 Database creation with the error: ORA-00988: missing or invalid password(s) | Solution: A user cannot be created when the password begins with a number.
Keywords: batch
oracle
fail
References: None |
Problem Statement: Getting data server not responding when trying to start Aspen Advanced Tag Browser within Process Explorer. The Advanced Tag Browser uses SQLplus to connect to the IP.21 database, therefore you need to ensure that the connection to SQLplus can be made. | Solution: Check to make sure TSK_SQL_SERVER task is running
Check to make sure that the Command Line Parameter for the TSK_SQL_SERVER in the InforPlus.21 Manager is set to a correct service # (i.e. 10014)
Check to make sure that InfoPlus.21 system is up and running
Check to make sure that the Servers area of the Config... |
Problem Statement: Is there an example of a Global model in which Parametric Analysis is being used? | Solution: Parametric Analysis requires a model that is using the XNLP solver and a PIMS Advanced Optimization license.
The attached Global model has Table PARAOBJ and performs Parametric Analysis on the sale of LPG and the purchase of ARL. You can download this model and select a case to run, then run Parametric anal... |
Problem Statement: What languages does Aspen OnLine support? | Solution: Aspen OnLine only supports English OS.
Keywords: language
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Microsoft Excel spreadsheet contains the entire path to the process data add-in (e.g.='C:\apps\OFFICE97.E01\OFFICE\LIBRARY\AtData.xla'!ATGetTrend). As a result the Excel Add-in may not function as expected. This problem is related to spreadsheets created on one machine and accessed on another.
It... | Solution: Excel requires that the ATData.xla or ATData.xlam be installed in the proper location. For the sheets to work, the Process data add-in (ATData.xla) must be installed in the Excel library directory (\program files\microsoft office\office\library).
This is critical for the machine creating the original sheet. P... |
Problem Statement: IP.21 clients are unable to communicate: Unknown Security Error: Authenticate(6) | Solution: NT networking is a prerequisite for communication between APEx, ADSA and IP.21. On a workstation, the main NT service for this is the Workstation service, which has to be running correctly.
You can see whether this service is running with: Start || Settings || Control Panel || Services. Look for Workstation. ... |
Problem Statement: The message:
An error occured getting the XML in the DOM
appears when accessing a particular Batch.21 Area. | Solution: This error may occur due to an Oracle database error returned from the oledb driver to ado and then to the Batch.21 service. Same situation occurs if the detail display attempts to show the contents of a specific batch. This happens for batches containing characteristic values over e+28.
There is a limitation... |
Problem Statement: Here are a few helpful tips as you migrate Batch.21 from version 4.1 to 2004. | Solution: From software version 4.1 to software version 4.1.2:
Make sure the BCU server is turned off.
All services associated with InfoPlus.21 software are turned off.
Take a snapshot.
Remove check box on the InfoPlus.21 manager that allows InfoPlus.21 to automatically startup on reboot.
Install AMSSolution 108236 to ... |
Problem Statement: When attempting to access the Aspen Batch.21 Application Programming Interface (API) from the Aspen SQLplus Query Writer, type library errors may appear. The errors can be of two forms.
1) From the SQLplus Query Writer tool, when a user tries to execute the code which accesses the Batch.21 API, the f... | Solution: AspenTech periodically updates type libraries. As a result, it may be necessary to delete and re-add the references to the Batch objects (BCU or Batch.21 API) using View |
Keywords: method
type
library
References: s in the SQLplus Query Writer.
Additional Information
COM objects are updated with each new rele... |
Problem Statement: Periodic Aspen PIMS, or PPIMS, is included with the standard Aspen PIMS license starting with the release of version 2006. Since many users are not experienced with PPIMS and its requirements, this is a review of how to convert a nonperiodic model into a periodic model. | Solution: There are two basic requirements for a periodic Aspen PIMS model: Table PERIODS and Table PINV. Below are the steps to change the model type and define these tables.
1) Start Aspen PIMS and open the model to be converted.
2) Right-click on the name of the model on the model tree. Select Model Type, then Perio... |
Problem Statement: PE installation receives errors when attempting to use PE Add-ins in Excel. Error creating aspen tag control.obj | Solution: Run a program called TagUpdate.reg (in C:\AspenTech\Desktop) by double clicking on it.
Keywords: tagcontrol.obj
References: None |
Problem Statement: By design, the BCU can only be connected to a single InfoPlus.21 database at a time. But what if there is Process Data on other InfoPlus.21 systems the BCU implementer would like to access as part of the configuration? | Solution: By using the On-Demand Calculation functionality built into Process Data (IP.21), during BCU implementation tags from other InfoPlus.21 systems can be accessed. For example, while sourcing a BCU characteristic to a tag, define the tag as follows:
=(MyDataSourceName:MyTagName)
where MyDataSourceName is the IP.... |
Problem Statement: Our refinery exports naphtha. The contract specifies an absolute minimum NPA (volume % naphthenics plus aromatics) of 40, but we have to pay a penalty if the NPA is less than 47. How can we model this in Aspen PIMS? | Solution: This is a problem with two minimum specifications for the same quality:
An absolute minimum specification. This will be modeled in the customary way in Table BLNSPEC.
A soft specification: the product quality can be below this specification, but the seller will have to pay a penalty for doing so. This will be... |
Problem Statement: In the BCU, under the Server dropdown menu, there is an option called Update Batch Configuration. What does this do? | Solution: Perhaps the most precise labelling for this option would be Refresh Batch Configuration; Update could be understood that information is being sent to the server.
In more detail, if you have the Batch Administrator and the BCU Administrator running and have pre-existing characteristics A and B, and add a new t... |
Problem Statement: Using BatchConnect, event journal files created from Rockwell RSBatch are processed. Occasionally, an event journal will be created from a batch that never started. These journals create errors which will repeat indefinitely.
What manual steps are required to stop processing these certain event journ... | Solution: Answer to Question #1:
To determine which journal file is causing the errors, go to the Logs directory (..\Program Files\AspenTech\Batch.21\Data\BatchConnect\Logs) and proceed as follows:
Turn ON debug by editing BatchConnectOpenBatch.def
View the log file that corresponds to the error file where the errors a... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to localize Batch.21 to languages other than those provided with Service Pack 1 for version 5.0? | Solution: The attached kit allows users to localize Batch.21 software and help files to languages other than the ones provided by AspenTech.
Keywords: language
translate
local
localize
international
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to set up a pass through query from Microsoft Access Visual Basic to the pseudo HISTORY table. | Solution: First the Microsoft ActiveX Data Object 2.0 (or higher) Library needs to be loaded.
FYI: The MSDN Online Library is a valuable reference for all types of Microsoft software problems. http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/
Open the Visual Basic Code which uses the reference.
Select Tools>
Keywords:
References: s
... |
Problem Statement: Getting #ERROR 50103: Bad attribute ''VAL'' in Excel Add-In (Aspen->Process Data->Get Data->Current Values) | Solution: First check that the history task (h21archive) is not paused, stopped, or crashed. Then check if history has been turned off for that tag. If so, be sure to have IP_ARCHIVING turned to ON, set the IP_REPOSITORY, and set IP_#_OF_TREND_VALUES to two or more.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Can Aspen Process Explorer display the timestamps in military time format? | Solution: Yes, military time can be displayed in Aspen Process Explorer on all Windows platforms.
On Windows 2000:
In the Control Panel, select Regional Settings.
Within Regional Settings select the Time tab.
In this tab, find the Time Style field and use the drop-down menu to select either H:mm:ss or HH:mm:ss. In gene... |
Problem Statement: Because there is no linking between levels at v2.x, the migration tool builds the linking automatically. It does this by adding every instance of the next lower level as a link for each instance. In other words, my new batch structure would include Fill, Mix, Heat1, Heat2 and Dump as steps in the Mix... | Solution: Back up the v2.x batch data (use b21backup). Use the Batch.21 Administrator to create the batch structure. Use the Restore v2 Backup (Start | Programs | AspenTech | Aspen Manufacturing Suite | Batch.21 | Server Tools | Restore v2 Backups) utility delivered with v3.x and v4.x to restore the v2.x data into the ... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Online 2006.5 fails to startup in Windows 2003 server with Office 2003 | Solution: For combination of Aspen Online 2006.5, Windows Server 2003 and MS Office 2003, if Office 2003 patch level is SP2, then Aspen Online may fail to start up since Aspen Online Service uses system account while the Microsoft known issue at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/912448 prevents it to work properly
To f... |
Problem Statement: I have liquid in the pipe; why is the reported Mach number so high? | Solution: A large Mach number may be reported if you have liquid present and you use Compressible Gas as your property method. Select Calculations | Options from the main menu and change the property method from Compressible Gas to anything else (Peng Robinson for example) on the Methods tab.
Keywords: Mach, high, liqu... |
Problem Statement: After a silent install, the Batch tools cannot be selected from within Process Explorer even when a Batch plot is being displayed | Solution: Manually create the following key:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AspenTech\Setup]
BATCH21ROOTDir=C:\\Program Files\\AspenTech\\Batch.21\\
This known issue will be addressed in AMS Release 7.0.
Additionally, the following registry entries are not created by the Silent Install. These additional entries can be ad... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to create multiple DLGPs when using CIM-IO for Setcim/InfoPlus-X/InfoPlus.21? | Solution: Yes. The following procedure can be used to create multiple DLGPs in version 7.5 of the interface.
Add services to the services file for the new DLGP's. The following example uses the range 10021 to 10024.
WINNT\system32\drivers\etc\services file
CIMIOSETCIM_10021 10021/tcp
CIMIOSETCIM_10022 10022/tcp
CIMIOSE... |
Problem Statement: For crudes where the MIN =0 in table BUY and they have no activity at | Solution: , a Marginal Value is expected because the variable is a the lower limit.
However, in many cases, this Marginal Value for this crude is missing (i.e. it is reported as 0).
If you force 1 bbl of crude instead of using a MIN=0, you get marginal values reported.
Why is it not showing the Marginal Values when Cru... |
Problem Statement: Getting error setcim trend rqst failed with error -24 after creating new unit. | Solution: One of the designator tags may have IP_ARCHIVING set to OFF. Often archiving doesn''t get turned back on after renaming the tag.
Keywords: ip_archiving
historical data
BCU
References: None |
Problem Statement: When importing an Area XML from an older version of Aspen Batch.21 to a newer version of Batch.21 Administrator, the following error occurs:
B21BSC-50401: Line 1: (-1072896763) A name contained an invalid character. | Solution: In recent versions of Batch.21, the XML file must be imported using Unicode format. To change the XML file format, open the file using Notepad and select Save As. Specify the Unicode format under the Encoding dropdown. Once the file format has been changed, it can be imported into the latest versions of Batch... |
Problem Statement: What is the proper syntax for creating a Batch programatically using Visual C++? | Solution: The code attached to thisSolution comes with no warranty. It is meant to provide the programmer with a starting point for writing their own code.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: What does Operation Outside Miller Chart.... mean? | Solution: Flow at junctions (particularly two phase flow) is extremely complex and there are many variables that can affect the pressure drop. Miller charts attempt to take these variables into account based on certain parameters; if a K value is outside the range covered by the Miller charts, then the default or maxim... |
Problem Statement: Export wizard is not exporting all pipe lengths to excel using the customized definition file. | Solution: This problem is due to the customized definition file set to export the pipe lengths to columns instead of the rows.
Microsoft Office Excel 2003 worksheet contains 65,536 rows and 256 columns. So the data in cells outside of this column and row limit is lost in earlier versions of Excel. In Excel 2007, the wo... |
Problem Statement: How do I change the number of decimal places in the flare tip pressure drop curve? | Solution: The decimal places in Aspen Flare System Analyzer can be changed in the Formatting page which can be accessed from the File menu asÂ
File || Preferences || Formatting
From the list of variables select DpCurvePt if the users requires to increase the number of decimal places for pressure drop in the FlareT... |
Problem Statement: Flow bleed calculates off take when a case has one flare tip but doesn't calculate off take when there are two tips | Solution: Aspen Flare System Analyzer currently does not support off take from flow bleeds in loop /split cases where the Looped solver used is a linear solver type e.g Newton-Raphson which is the default selected solver type.
Off take for looped /split configurations e.g 2 flare tips is only calculated using the Force... |
Problem Statement: How do I select a length multiplier for several selected pipes in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: The easiest way to accomplish this goal is to use bulk pipe editing feature.This procedure allows us to globally replace or update certain pipe parameters for the whole network at one time.
Launch the Pipe Manager via the Pipes shortcut in the Build toolbar on the Home tab.
From the list of pipes displa... |
Problem Statement: How is vapor fraction defined in Aspen FLARENET? Why does it not match with the Aspen HYSYS result? | Solution: Vapour Fraction in Aspen FLARENET corresponds to the value HYSYS reports for the Vapour / Phase Fraction on the Worksheet | Conditions page of the stream view.
Other definitions of vapor fraction used in Aspen HYSYS are listed below:
Vap. Frac (molar basis) = Vapor Phase Mole Flow / Total Mole Flow (i.e. As... |
Problem Statement: My Flarenet case with many heavy components does not solve what should I do? | Solution: In Aspen Flare System Analyzer, if the source data has many hypo components with very heavy molecular weight (MW), e.g. 180 or higher, the program may have difficulties solving this scenario. The recommended workarounds are:
1) Specify the source composition in MW rather than in mole/mass fraction.
By sp... |
Problem Statement: How does enthalpy balance consider kinetic energy across the valve? | Solution: The general energy balance equation for fluid systems:
dU + d(p/rho) + v*dv/gc + g*dz+dW+dq =0
which accounts for internal energy, pressure energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, work done on fluid and heat flux.
Here, U is internal energy, J; p is pressure, Pa. rho is density, kg/m^3; v is velocity, m... |
Problem Statement: What are the equations used for rated flow for relief valve? | Solution: Aspen FLARENET uses API 520 sizing equation for relief valve.
The General sizing equation for API 520:
A = W*SQRT(T*Z/Mw) / (C*Kd*P1*Kb)
where:
A = valve area (in2)
W= mass flow rate (lbm/hr)
T = temp (R)
Z = compressibility
Mw = mole wt (kg/mol)
C = coefficient based on ratio of Cp/Cv
Kd = discharge coeff = ... |
Problem Statement: I have trouble lining up the objects in the PFD. Is there any button that helps in lining them up? | Solution: If you press toggle grid display button on the PFD tooldbar then you can line the pipe segments easily.This button toggle the grid on and off. When the grid is on, it is easy to line the pipe segments.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is the Copy/Paste function available in Aspen Flare System Analyzer V7.3? How to use it? | Solution: Yes, the Copy/Paste function available from Aspen Flare System Analyzer V7.3. You can select the branches using the mouse and right-click. Select copy commend in menu. Move your mouse to empty space. Right-click your mouse button and click Paste.
Or you may use the clipboard on Home tab of Ribbon.
Keywords: C... |
Problem Statement: How do I incorporate heat gain from solar radiation in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: In Aspen Flare System Analyzer, external radiative HTC is used to model the pipe surface and surrounding temperature. Aspen Flare System Analyzer can not model heat gain from solar radiation.
However, if you only try to model the heating effect from the Sun, you can using heating option in Pipe->Heat transfer... |
Problem Statement: How to include Therminol-55 in Aspen Flare System Analyzer | Solution: This component is not available in Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA) database. You can import it from the Aspen HYSYS database.
Follow these steps to import Therminol-55 in AFSA from HYSYS:
1. Open a New HYSYS case and add Therminol-55 as a component. You can find Therminol-55 as THEOL-55.
2. Add Peng Robins... |
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