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Problem Statement: When I print out a report, all pages in the report are included. Is there a way I can customize the report without exporting to a file? Is there a way I can print only the page(s) I want? | Solution: It is possible to print a specific page of a report using by using some of the features included in the Preview page. From the preview page, click on the printer icon in tool bar and select the desired page number(s). For example, suppose you want to print a particular range of pages from the Messages form. I... |
Problem Statement: The term tear pipe is used in the | Solution: The concept of tear pipes only applies to looped divergent systems. The tear pipes are the pipes within the network where we iteratively adjust the flowrate to solve the pressure balance that defines the flow directions through network.
In simple terms, think of a simple system in which a single flow splits, ... |
Problem Statement: What is the significance of the Rho V2 term as relates to pipe erosion? | Solution: The current practice for eliminating erosional problems in piping systems is to limit the flow velocity (Ve) to that established by the recommended practice API RP 14E based on an empirical constant (C-factor) and the fluid mixture density (rhom). The governing equation is as follows:
Ve = C / sqrt(rhom)
Note... |
Problem Statement: Does Aspen Flare System Analyzer change the pipe schedule in the design calculations? | Solution: The design algorithm maintains the pipe schedule specified for the pipe unless the user applies the pipe class . The pipe class can be selected from the Pipe Editor by setting Use Class - Yes. If the pipe class is used then all the schedules included in the Pipe Class Editor are considered in the design calc... |
Problem Statement: The evaluation of the friction loss in valves and fittings involves the determination of the appropriate fittings K factor. In the literature, there are several correlations available for this. For example, Equivalent L/D method, Crane method, 2-K (Hooper) method and 3-K (Darby) method.
Which one i... | Solution: The method used in Aspen Flare System Analyzer is the Crane method and not the 2-K method. The Crane method is given in the Crane Co. Flow of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings and Pipe. Tech Paper 410, 1991.
K = f (L/D)eq
It recognizes that there is generally higher degree of turbulence in the fitting than in t... |
Problem Statement: I am expecting a vapor liquid mixture. Why I am getting vapor (or liquid) only? | Solution: 1. First, check the pressure you are looking at. You may expect a vapor liquid mixture at the relieving pressure. However, back pressure can be much lower than the relieving pressure.
2. If the pressure is the back pressure or a pressure anywhere in the network, then use a suitable VLE method such as Peng Rob... |
Problem Statement: How are heat transfer calculations performed in Aspen FLARENET? | Solution: There are three components to the external heat transfer in Aspen FLARENET, calculated as follows:
1. The external heat transfer coefficient is calculated according to the ESDU 69004 standard. See attached document esdu69004.doc.
2. Pipe wall resistance. This calculation includes insulation and is materia... |
Problem Statement: I get a warning in the flare because the temperature goes beyond the limit for the selected material. I reality we use a different material that is able to withstand those temperatures. How can I specify it? | Solution: It is true that we only provide Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel as material options in FSA. You can however modify the temperature limit for each material under the Home tab > Options > Warnings.
You probably will also need to change the roughness and thermal conductivity of the selected material on each ... |
Problem Statement: How does Aspen Flare System Analyzer calculate the temperature at the outlet of a flare tip? | Solution: Aspen Flare System Analyzer calculates the outlet tip temperature by first calculating the Enthalpy at Stagnation Point of the fluid at the exiting flare system.
For this calculation, the program assumes that the velocity of the gases after the exit from the pipe system and into the atmosphere is zero, hence ... |
Problem Statement: Why can't I drag and drop annotations after created on the PFD? | Solution: It is possible you are in connecting mode. Please toggle Arrange/Connect Mode button as shown in picture.
After that, you should be able to move around the Annotations.
Keywords: Aspen Flare System Analyzer, Annotation, drag and drop
References: None |
Problem Statement: The help file for Batch.21 states:
Subbatch Instances
Limit number of Subbatch Instances: Check this box if you want to limit the number of subbatch instances that can be recorded for each subbatch. The standard number is 0 indicating an infinite number of instances.
If a specific number of subbatch ... | Solution: Customers should prevent triggering the add subbatch action more often than the subbatch instances allow (perhaps by using more complex triggers).
There is a kind of workaround to this behavior. The add subbatch action is specifically meant to make a new instance. If you don''t use it, and just use add charac... |
Problem Statement: How does one import HYSYS sources in FLARENET? | Solution: In FLARENET, users can import Source data directly from HYSYS (including component information), but unfortunately this functionality does not extend to Pipe data (note that you will need to have both HYSYS and FLARENET installed on the machine you are working on in order to import Source data). The required ... |
Problem Statement: How does Aspen FLARENET handle multiple inlets and outlets on the Flare Knockout Drum? | Solution: Currently it is possible to have up to 2 inlets into the drum and 1 outlet or vice versa.
If you wish to model an alternative arrangement you will need to combine streams using tee pieces along with the KO drum.
Note that Aspen FLARENET calculates the entrance and exit losses to the drum based on the diameter... |
Problem Statement: Is there any ways to input the liquid flow and vapor flow on PSV in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: Aspen Flare System Analyzer did rigorous flash calculation based on temperature and pressure to determine the phase fraction. So you could not input the liquid and vapor flow separately. Aspen Flare System Analyzer will recognize the two phase based on relieving pressure and inlet temperature.
Keywords: Two p... |
Problem Statement: How do I model a source flange in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: In Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA), there are two ways to model source flange:
1. Input flange diameter directly in the source Editor | Condition page. If the flange has the same diameter as the tailpipe, you can leave it empty in this page.
When a value other than the tailpipe diameter is specified, y... |
Problem Statement: Where can I locate all of the design constraints for Aspen FLARENET case files while in design mode? | Solution: The design constraint and the locations are as follows:
Constraint
Location
1. MABP (Maximum allowable back pressure)
On the valve property interface (Conditions TAB)
2. Velocity
Scenario Editor (Build | Scenario | Edit | Constraint)
3. Mach number
Scenario Editor (Build | Scenario | Edit | Constraint)
4. N... |
Problem Statement: Whenever I create a new object, it is automatically added to my PFD. Is there a simple way to place a newly created object exactly at the location I want? | Solution: To create an object in a specific location, right click on the appropriate icon in the Toolbox (Object Pallet) and continue to hold the mouse button down. Drag the object to the desired point on the PFD and release the mouse.
Keywords: toolbox, exact point, exact place, add object, add equipment, object palle... |
Problem Statement: Unable to start calculations: No active source is found. What should I do? | Solution: If you are getting this message, you probably
1. don't have any PSV or control valve connected to the network. You need at least one.
2. have all of the PSV and/or control valves ignored. You need at least one active.
3. have zero mass flow. Provide a flowrate.
4. have no components. Add components.
Keywords:... |
Problem Statement: In the Navigation Pane, under Views / Results, there are options to see the Compositions and Physical Properties results. However, these are greyed out, which means that there are not active.
Why are they greyed out and how can you activate them? | Solution: Under the preferences menu there is an option to save phase properties. You need to check this box to activate the composition and physical properties results.
This check box will save the phase properties. The disk space/memory requirements are significantly affected by this option, specially for large cases... |
Problem Statement: Why do my flow maps show the flow regime as Unknown? | Solution: The flow regime selection in Flarenet is based on the flow map (view / results / flow map). The decision about the type of flow is based on the flow map of Mandhane et. al.(Mandhane, J. M., Gregory, G.A., Aziz, K., A Flow Map for Gas-Liquid flow in Horizontal Pipes, Int. J. Multiphase Flow, Vol 1, pp 537-553,... |
Problem Statement: What does the bar on the lower left corner mean when it turns yellow even if the run converges | Solution: It shows that your case has the warning messages. You should go to View->results->messages to check them. If you have any questions about your results, you may want to check this page to see any error messages on solver.
Keywords: Warning, convergent, View
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between modeling multiple relief valves under one icon as compared to modeling them separately? What assumptions are made about piping and connections when multiple RVs are modeled together? | Solution: The Number Of Valves option is included so that a single relief valve source can be used to model several relief valves connected to a common tailpipe. The value for the specified Number Of Valves is then used as follows:
A. The specified mass flow is divided equally between the specified number of valves, to... |
Problem Statement: How do I prevent the error, Incomplete connectivity for node on my model for two pieces of equipment that are fully connected? | Solution: This usually happens when the model you are running come from an older version or if it's been imported with some errors. What it's recommended to do is delete the graphic connections in the Process Flowsheet and then reconnect the two items again. Once you do it, please go to Home> Simulation > Check model, ... |
Problem Statement: How can I check how much vapor and liquid content there is in the pipes? | Solution: There are two ways to check the liquid and vapor content:
1) You can activate the vapor fraction on PFD by selecting vapor fraction in select variable to display with object names box.
2) You can activate save phase properties in Preferences and then Physical properties will be reported at upstream and downs... |
Problem Statement: Why do I see high pipe pressure drop with no flow? | Solution: Although the net flow is zero, Aspen FLARENET will calculate the static head due to elevation change based on the equation:
static head = elevation change * density * g
To eliminate this effect, select the Static Head contribution as 'ignore'.
Keywords: pressure, drop, stack, elevation, static, head
Reference... |
Problem Statement: Why do I see Mach No. greater than 1 at the outlet of the source? | Solution: The reason is user specified relieving load is too high compared to the flange size.
It is true that when Mach No.=1 the flow in the flange becomes choked, and it is not possible to increase the flow rate anymore. Under this condition, the relief valve will fail to relieve at the relieving load specified by t... |
Problem Statement: Can I select option of using mixture velocity & superficial velocity while checking for design constraints in a scenario? | Solution: Yes, it is possible from V7.2 version onwards to select option of using both mixture velocity & superficial velocity while checking for design constraints in a scenario.
Before V7.2, user could select only the superficial phase velocity as the velocity constraint for a two phase relief scenario. A new option ... |
Problem Statement: How can I add a vaporizer / heater / cooler / evaporator in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: There is no vaporizer or heater or evaporator in Aspen Flare System Analyzer. You cannot add heat in a knockout drum either. However, you can use a dummy pipe and specify outlet temperature or duty to simulate a vaporizer / heater / cooler / evaporator. Specify a negative duty if you want to use duty specific... |
Problem Statement: How to add Viewport in Aspen Flare System Analyzer V9 | Solution: As part of the V9 user interface updates, adding a viewport in Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA) is easier than it was in earlier versions.
A viewport will help you to navigate large networks and locate objects or sections of your flowsheet. With this feature, it is not necessary to zoom in and zoom out repe... |
Problem Statement: How is composition calculated for individual components if molecular weight (MW) is selected as basis? | Solution: You can select Molecular Weight as your basis for stream composition in Aspen FLARENET. In this case, the composition used by Aspen FLARENET will be calculated from the relative composition of the two components with MWs on either side of your specified value, to give your specified stream MW.
For example, su... |
Problem Statement: When you run a case, if you have an active scenario that is not being calculated, the status bar at the bottom left shows Edit in red color. In previous versions, this was in yellow with the label Done even if the current scenario was not being calculated. | Solution: The red status bar with Edit is the desired functionality. The status bar really applies to the current scenario on the flowsheet. Making it yellow would imply that the selected scenario has been calculated which might not be true.
In previous versions, if the case showed results, it displayed the status ba... |
Problem Statement: What is Pressure Property? What is the difference between Pressure property and Static pressure? | Solution: Since Aspen Flare System Analyzer V8.0, there is a property located in the Pipe Editor > Summary called Pressure Property, as shown in the snapshot below.
Pressure Property is the same as the Static Pressure. The Static Pressure (Ps) is the pressure acting equally in all directions at a point in the fluid.
Th... |
Problem Statement: User receives errors in Aspen Flare System Analyzer when the model is run. The error messages indicate a PH Flash Failure error and Speed of sound error. In addition, the scenario can take long time to solve. | Solution: The PH flash failure and speed of sound errors can appear when there are too many hypos in the component list. It is a good practice to use no more than 20 components in Aspen Flare System Analyzer.
The user can check the composition of the hypos in the active sources. If the composition is small, it is recom... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Process Explorer Excel Add-in returns #VALUE! if returning a data array larger than 5,461 elements. | Solution: For Excel 97 - Contact your Microsoft Support representative. Tell Microsoft you are experiencing the problem referred in the knowledge base article Q216531. Tell them you know there is a hot fix for this problem and you require it.
Article Q216531 - http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q216/5/31.... |
Problem Statement: Using Aspen Process Explorer (APEx) Graphics Editor, how may I display data of specific (normal) repeat area fields of records?
Note 1: This | Solution: is applicable for custom and non-custom records.
Note 2: The number of repeat area values available to Graphics Editor is limited by the number of values entered in the fixed area reference to the repeat area..
Solution
1. From APEx Graphics Editor, select Draw > Data Field
2. Drag it to create the ... |
Problem Statement: As users switch to Excel 2007, there have been several questions about Aspen PIMS and the use of Excel 2007 and older versions of Excel. | Solution: 1) If you would like to use Excel 2007 format files for input, then users who have an older version of Excel will not be able to run your model on their machine. It is not necessary to switch all input files to Excel 2007, some can be in older formats.
2) Some Excel 2003 and older files contain items that c... |
Problem Statement: Given the batch handle, how can I retrieve the associated batch data using Visual Basic, and Aspen SQLplus?
This example provides a programmer with the specific code that queries the batch data. It does not contain the whole script that includes select statements and other related command words. The ... | Solution: Visual Basic Example
In Visual Basic, you can use the following as an example:
Dim BatchDataSource As AtBatch21ApplicationInterface.BatchDataSource
Dim Batch As AtBatch21ApplicationInterface.Batch
Dim Count As Long
Dim BatchHandle As String
Dim BatchXML As String
BatchDataSources.Refresh
Set BatchDataSource ... |
Problem Statement: When an administrator creates a new batch area, and immediately attempts to change the name of the default characteristics (such as START TIME, STOP TIME or UNIT), an error message B21BAI.60175 Specified characteristic is not defined is displayed. | Solution: Changing the names of the default characteristics is allowed, but they need to exist. When creating a new area no additional characteristics exist yet, so it is impossible to reference them. TheSolution is to create the batch area, accept the default names initially, create your own customized characteristics... |
Problem Statement: RBOB is blended offsite. There are final blend properties that must be met after the oxygenate is added. However it is also desirable to report and perhaps even spec. the properties pre-oxygenate. The RBOB correlation available through ABML can be used to accomplish this. | Solution: The RBOB correlation allows the user to specify the ethanol properties for the final blend. It then uses this information in conjunction with the pre-oxygenate properties to calculate the blend properties post-oxygenate. Below are the steps required to activate this correlation.
1) In table BLNSPEC, the ble... |
Problem Statement: A new feature of v2004.2 Aspen Batch.21 is Golden Batch Profiling.
The Aspen Batch.21 Configuration manual page 8-5 describes the procedure for extending the batch-demo and configuring three profiling demos.
You are instructed to go to the Batch.21 Administrator and expand the tree down to Profiling.... | Solution: The very large majority of Aspen Manufacturing Licenses are 'installation only' license checking.
Golden Batch Profiling however needs to check a 'new' license which is a RUNTIME license.
The license itself is called SLM_Golden_Batch_Profile
For troubleshooting purposes, you first need to confirm that the lic... |
Problem Statement: How can I limit the rate of a crude cut, even if it includes a swing cut? | Solution: Several methods are available to limit the draw of a crude cut:
? Method 1: Include a capacity row in Table Assays
Method 2: Constrain the pool collector columns using a capacity constraint in Table Rows
Method 3: Include a capacity constraint in both Tables Rows and Assays
Method 1: Include a cap... |
Problem Statement: We get many calls from Setcim (or Setcim/InfoPlus-X) users who notice that their Process Explorer time and their database time differ by one hour. Sometimes they say that it stays wrong for around 6 months in the year. Sometimes they will say they just noticed it since we went on or off Daylight Savi... | Solution: Knowledge Base documents 100030 and 100031 give very thorough descriptions of the recommended procedures for handling changes twice per year for Daylight Savings (in most parts of the world).
They even contain a disclaimer that if done incorrectly then Process Explorer times will appear wrong by 1 hour.
With ... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to interrupt and resume batches using the BCU? | Solution: Allow interrupts for the batch area by right clicking on the area in the Batch Administrator, selecting the Interrupts tab, and checking the box allowing interrupts.
Specify names for the interrupt and resume time characteristics to be used.
Select the lowest sub-level which you want to be able to interrupt. ... |
Problem Statement: The flare stack radiates intense heat which constitutes a potential hazard. It is generally necessary to have an area around the flare in which people do not normally work. Is it possible to calculate the flare heat radiation using Aspen Flare System analyzer and plot the heat over distance profile?
... | Solution: Aspen Flare System Analyzer does not do the radiation calculations. Generally, the flame on a flare stack is several hundred feet long and has a heat release of the order of 107 BTU/h. The capabilities of Aspen Flare System Analyzer allow users to provide the flare tip diameter and pressure drop curves in ord... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to combine two simulations which use different VLE methods into one simulation and have each case retain its original VLE method? | Solution: Assume that we have two cases: case A and case B. We want to import B into A to make a merged model within A. A is using Soave Redlich Kwong, and B is using Peng Robinson. The merged model will retain both cases' original VLE methods.
Follow these steps to merge the models:
1.    Starting with case B, ... |
Problem Statement: What checks are done when using the 'Check Model' option via the Calculations | Check Model menu item? | Solution: The 'Check Model' Option (found via the Calculations | Check Model menu item) checks for:
1. Hypothetical components created in a version earlier than version 3.51a
2. Whether a Scenario is selected or not
3. At least one active source with non zero flow
4. For relief valve, rated flow... |
Problem Statement: What does the 'Valid' column represent when accessing the Show Data Table option from the Plot Area Context Menu? What does this Valid column mean, and how is it determined whether data is valid or invalid? | Solution: In Aspen Process Explorer Show Data Table there is a column called VALID. It shows the validity of data, whether the data is valid (good data) or invalid (bad data).
Process Explorer connects to multiple databases to get data, and each occurrence or sample of data is structurally different. Below is an exampl... |
Problem Statement: Process Explorer doesn''t recognize when the record attribute for IP_STEPPED was turned on. | Solution: The IP_STEPPED flag in the database was not being used to determine the default configuration of data in Process Explorer. This problem has been identified as QCI 123141.
A preliminary fix was provided in v 3.1 SP1. A selector record, which returns IP_STEPPED data in string format, is used to determine whethe... |
Problem Statement: Every time a script that contains a trigger is run, it fails with the message Unable to create XML DOM object. Even simple triggers that record a single characteristic fail with the same error.
The batch may be visible when using the Batch Detail Display. It is may also possible to record characteris... | Solution: Update the version of the Microsoft XML Parser to v3.0.
It is important to note that the Windows Installer is requred to update the XML Parser. An older version of Windows Installer is included as part of IE version 5.5. However, the XML install file may not run under this version of the installer. The instal... |
Problem Statement: The BCU help file states only to implement processing gates when it is really necessary. So, what is the use of processing gates? How does it work with synchronized triggers? | Solution: In version 2.5 and before, each BCU unit did processing completely independently of any other unit, and in addition, each trigger within a unit did processing independently of any other trigger (with the one exception that sometimes two or more triggers might be waiting for new designator data to arrive).
Thi... |
Problem Statement: How to configure Batch.21 in concurrence with Store&Forward?
What happens to Batch.21 during a Store&Forward data-interruption (storing of data)?
What happens to Batch.21 after a Store&Forward data-interruption (forwarding of data)? | Solution: In concurrence with Store&Forward, do NOT use the Extrapolate to current time option for any tag (seeSolution #104737).
IF the extrapolate option is checked, the BCU will assume that seeing no new data means that there is no new data. And because of this, the BCU continues with its scan cycles, which means it... |
Problem Statement: We recently had a customer installing AspenManufacturingSuite V4.0 including several layered products such as Batch.21 He noticed during the install of Batch.21 that the DOS windown showed several warning or error messages, but they flashed by on the screen so fast that he didn't have time to note do... | Solution: We discovered that a few days before installing the products he had run RegClean on his machine. When he ran the Undo*.reg file - to load back the registry entries that had been deleted - he was able to successfully load the Batch.21 Server Components. Specifically there are several 'Legacy' TypeLib key/value... |
Problem Statement: Where should I declare a delta vector as FREE for a base-delta model? | Solution: By default all columns in a matrix will have only positive activity. Therefore a delta vector in a base-delta model must be declared free so it will allow for adjustments in either direction (positive or negative) based on the property balance calculation.
In the following SKHT submodel, the property balance ... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes it appears that changes to capacity MIN or MAX values made in Table CASE are ignored. For example, below a MAX capacity for CAT1 is entered as 30 in Table CASE. However when the model is run, there is no MAX for CAT1 reported.
Excerpt from Table CASE:
CASE 8
Change CAPS empty entry in M... | Solution: .html:
Process Capacity Used
Minimum
Units/DAY
Maximum
AT1
Crude Unit #1 BPD
40,000
VT1
Vac Unit #1 BPD
20,000
20,000
Solution
This happens when there is no existing MAX entry in the base table CAPS. (This scenario applies to MIN entries also.)
For example, in the following Table CAPS, there is n... |
Problem Statement: When using the Trend/Aggregate function of the Add-In, if a horizontal Fill direction is selected, no data is displayed. | Solution: This has been fixed as ER S001215A.NTI and will be included in the EIS v3.1 SP2 release.
Keywords: horizontal
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Graphic Console System, or GCS, is a graphics package that has been available for years, typically used by customers who purchased a Setcim database. GCS graphics are created in a proprietary format that cannot be converted into a Process Explorer format. Many customers may have created hundreds ... | Solution: is possible to open a GCS session from a Process Explorer hotlink.Solution
1. From the Process Explorer menu bar, select File > New > GCS This opens a GCS window with the base display
2. Save this display window. From the Process Explorer menu bar, select File > Save As
3. Open Process Graph... |
Problem Statement: How to Change the Port Number for Aspen Online | Solution: The machine port number that is used by the Aspen Online service can be found in the system Services file. Navigate to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\services
Right-click on the Services file and open with Notepad. Users that have read/write restrictions might need to copy/paste this file to the desktop in ... |
Problem Statement: Problem occurs when running an Excel spreadsheet with Aspen Add-Ins on multiple PC''s. If the Excel *.xls file is created on one PC and stored on a shared drive, other PC''s may not be able to view the report.
It''s also been found that a spreadsheet created on one PC and then copied to a network dri... | Solution: First be sure that Process Explorer is installed. Then check that the Atdata.xla file is installed in the same directory for all computers. If not, you will need to move the file to the appropriate directory. Then in Excel, reload (remove and replace) the Aspen Add-Ins (Excel -> Tools -> Add-Ins).
Keywords: E... |
Problem Statement: This Knowledge Base article provides steps to resolve the following error message:
No such interface supported.
which may be received in the Aspen Batch.21 Administrator tool.
The above message is sometimes accompanied by the following error message found in the TSK_BCU_START.out file: failed to con... | Solution: 1
Re-register AtBatch21AtlServer.dll file found in the following directory:
..\Program Files\AspenTech\Batch.21\Server
If this doesn't help, then try step 2 below.Solution 2
It is possible that the password of the account that is being used to start InfoPlus.21 and Batch.21 has been changed, which means that ... |
Problem Statement: What is the syntax for defining a BCU API datasource? | Solution: Example ASP page using VBS:
(Replace all ( with < and all ) with > to use this script; formatting was changed to help display code correctly):
<HTML>
<HEAD><TITLE>hallo.asp</TITLE></HEAD> <BODY>
<%
set a = server.createobject(AspenTech.Batch21.bcu.bcuDataSources)
b = a.c... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to get aggregate data for more than one tag at a time into the Excel Process Data Add-ins? | Solution: Enter valid InfoPlus.21 tag names in cells A1, A2, A3 (vertically) or cells A1, B1, C1 (horizontally)
From the drop-down menu, choose Aspen | Process Data | Get Data |Trend/Aggregate Data
Enter the range from the spreadsheet where the tag names are located into the field ''Tags'' The entry should look somethi... |
Problem Statement: If you do a query with the Batch Query Tool , and the query is attempting to return thousands of batches, it may take a long time (minutes to hours, depending on how much data is requested). During that time you will see high CPU usage of mtx.exe (Microsoft''s Transaction Server) and possibly MS SQL ... | Solution: If you want to reset the transaction server, you don''t have to reboot the computer, but can do the following:
On the server computer, start up the Transaction Server Explorer: Start | Programs | Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack | Microsoft Transaction Server | Transaction Server Explorer
In the left pane: Open: M... |
Problem Statement: I can import the sample case such as Atmospheric Crude Tower.hsc in the Aspen HYSYS samples folder. However, why am I unable to import solid components into Aspen Flare System Analyzer from Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: Aspen HYSYS case file may contain components which are not available in Aspen Flare System Analyzer. One example is, the solid components. Aspen Flare System Analyzer does not support the solid components. In order to work, you will have to delete the solid components in Aspen HYSYS.
Keywords: Soild, Import s... |
Problem Statement: How do I better size my relief valve? How can I get a better representation of my rated flow? | Solution: For each relief valve, the inputs for correctly sizing a valve can be introduced on the Relief Valve Editor under the Methods tab.
The given value for the back pressure will now be used with the appropriate sizing method selected.
If this value is not known, or not defined, the program will use the Allowable ... |
Problem Statement: What is the upstream diameter ratio and downstream diameter ratio in orifice plate? | Solution: Upstream Diameter Ratio is the ratio of throat diameter to the upstream pipe diameter.
Downstream Diameter Ratio is the ratio of throat diameter to Downstream pipe diameter.
Keywords: None
References: None |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to close an AspenTech VBA window programatically? | Solution: To close a window in VBA, the class ThisDocument can be used with the method Close. Documentation from the VBA help files is contained below.
The Close method closes the document.
Syntax
object.Close(SaveChanges, FileName)
Arguments Type
Description
SaveChanges
TRUE saves,
FALSE does not save changes to the ... |
Problem Statement: Why do I get the same pressure profile in my network regardless of whether or not the Include Kinetic Energy option is active? | Solution: 2006.5 and earlier version: The simulation results will be the same irrespective of whether the Include Kinetic Energy option is selected whenever the Enable Heat Transfer option is active. When heat transfer calculations are enabled, the impact of kinetic energy changes will always be included.
Note that bot... |
Problem Statement: What inputs are required to update batch characteristics using the Aspen Batch.21 XML interface? | Solution: The following code demonstrates the necessary inputs to update a batch characteristic in a database. In the example, the characteristic being updated is BATCH VALUE.
<Datasource xmlns='Aspentech.Batch21' name='bedrock'><Area name=demo><InsertBatchData><BatchList><Batch><Designator name=BATCH NO>151</Designato... |
Problem Statement: When running the Aspen Database Wizard to create the Aspen Production Record Manager database, there are three options
1. Create the database/tablespace, users and database objects
2. Create database objects in an existing database
3. Update the existing database and database objects
The following | Solution: details the Oracle permissions needed to run each of these three options.Solution
Create the database\tablespace, users and database objects - For this option, DBA level privileges are required. This is necessary because this first option will generate the tablespace in Oracle, a task that requires DBA level ... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Process Data does not apprear on the toolbar within Excel after Aspen Process Explorer is installed. | Solution: During installation of the Aspen Process Explorer, an add-ins is placed in the Library folder of the Microsoft Office application Excel. As a one-time configuration step, the add-in can be added to Excel''s list of add-ins to use by selecting Excel menu item Tools -> Add-ins, and checking the box beside Aspen... |
Problem Statement: What criterion is used to determine the status of aggregate data requested from Aspen InfoPlus.21 via Aspen Process Explorer, Aspen Process Data Add-In, or Aspen SQLplus?
The source data has a quality level of GOOD, BAD, and SUSPECT.. | Solution: Aspen Process Explorer obtains aggregate data from an Aspen InfoPlus.21 API routine. This routine sets the status level of the aggregate to SUSPECT if more than one percent of the source data in the aggregate period is BAD, and changes the status level to BAD if more than 50 percent of the source values is BA... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to query Batch.21 to find batches meeting particular criteria? | Solution: SQLplus can be used to query for batches that meet particular criteria. The following query can be used to return data for batches that fall in a given time span (between Myquery.TimeRange.Start and Myquery.TimeRange.End) and include a characteristic that starts with the string 'HE'.
When using the sample que... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes a user may get the message data server not responding when trying to insert or view a tag in Process Explorer. The fundamental problem is that Process Explorer cannot communicate with the TSK_API_SERVER running on the IP.21 server. But there may be many reasons why it cannot make this commu... | Solution: Check in the IP.21 Manager to make sure the database is up and running. Check especially the TSK_API_SERVER to make sure it is running.
Check the Configure Servers option within Process Explorer to make sure the connection is defined correctly.
Try to bring up the Tag Browser or Advanced Tag Browser within ... |
Problem Statement: Batch and the Batch Demo have been configured and the Scheduling Table in the BCU Administrator indicates that units are executing, but no batches are being created | Solution: Initialize the Batch Demo by executing the QueryDef record atcini.
Keywords: AspenChem
Aspen Chemical Demo
References: None |
Problem Statement: I would like to model the utility consumption in a process unit such that utility consumption would only be activated when the feed is more than certain amount. How should I model this? | Solution: You can use Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) to do this. What you can do is:
1. In that process unit (submodel table), create 2 columns that represent the utility consumption conditions when the feed is less than the specific amount vs. when the feed is more than the specific amount that activate the utili... |
Problem Statement: How to have Web.21 as the data source for Excel Add-Ins? | Solution: On the menu bar in Excel, choose Aspen | Process Data | Options. Click the data source tab. Select Web.21.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: The Aspen Batch.21 installation guide describes which versions of the Oracle client were tested with Aspen Batch.21. However, the version of the Oracle server components is not mentioned. This knowledge base article documents the versions of the Oracle relational database server which were tested wit... | Solution: Oracle relational database server version 9.2.0.1 was tested with Aspen Batch.21 v2004.0, v2004.1 and v2004.2. On the Aspen Batch.21 server, the OLE DB driver was the version which was installed with the 9.2.0.1 server components (the one available from the universal installer, the OLE DB driver is no longer ... |
Problem Statement: A particular characteristic may end up being stored against the incorrect batch -- i.e. not for the current (intended) batch, but for the previous or next batch. | Solution: The designator value should be correct at the moment a trigger condition becomes true, and the characteristic gets stored.
When a characteristic gets stored at the exact same moment that the designator value changes, it is not clear to which batch (designator value) this information belongs. It might belong t... |
Problem Statement: When Process Explorer is used for the first time after installation, the error message, Process Explorer failed to initialize VAO components may appear. This knowledge base article explains what this message means and how it is resolved. | Solution: This has been observed to occur on Windows 95 machines more frequently than with NT machines. However, the reSolution to this problem is the same for both operating systems. The VAO components are Visual Basic files that should be initialized after the reboot at the end of the install. They most likely will n... |
Problem Statement: There are multiple reasons for the following error message received when trying to use Excel Add-In to retrieve data from Aspen InfoPlus.21 (IP.21):
Error 50003: No Connect to Server.
1. Sometimes this error is received when selecting more than one tag in the Excel Add-in. This happens whether yo... | Solution: s to the above problems:Solution 1:
1. Bring the Trend/Aggregate Data Dialog box up
2. Select Settings... | Data Source tab
3. Change the selection under Tag Information to the opposite of what is selected.
4. Select OK
5. The error goes away and the data fills into the cells.
Example:
Let... |
Problem Statement: Occasionally process engineers may have a need to connect their Process Explorer to a remote database server located at a different plant than the one they are in. Depending on their network configuration, they may or may not be successful. In case of an unsuccessful attempt, the following error mess... | Solution: # 103374 describes the steps necessary to troubleshoot this error.
ThisSolution deals with the situation where Process Explorer can connect to a local database but will not connect to a remote database, which indicates that this is a network related issue.
Let's look for a moment at the database server logon ... |
Problem Statement: Prior to version 3.1, Batch.21 used Event.21 to record the start and end time of batches and sub-batches. In 3.1 versions, Event.21 is no longer a required component of Batch.21, and the method used to store start and end times has changed. The following Tech Tip details how start and end time events... | Solution: In version 3.1, start and end times are stored as characteristics, not as events. For a BCU script to record the start and end times in the BCU Administrator, the characteristics must first be created in the Batch Administrator tool.
In the Batch Administrator, define Characteristic definitions for Start Time... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes a tag shows bad quality on Control Panel Tags tab in Aspen OnLineGUI, (see screen shot below), but when it is checked via Aspen CIM-IO Test API, the quality is actually good. Why? | Solution: When the online program runs, the tags are fetched in batch mode, that is, the tags are divided into small but easy to manage batches which are processed sequentially. If there is an invalid tag in a batch, the fetching process aborts such that the remaining batches, if any left, will not be processed and the... |
Problem Statement: Cannot find documentation for the batch plots | Solution: It is in the Help file of the BCU administrator.
A defect has been submitted to include it in the APEx Help file in a future version.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: The BCU can be run in test mode which primarily means that batch data is not submitted to the Batch.21 Relational Database. However, there are other differences when running the BCU in test mode versus normal processing mode. | Solution: When choosing to run the BCU in test mode, two aspects of BCU processing are not handled: Commands are not executed and the BCU will not search for batches to match by designator.
Commands are not executed. Commands are often used to fire SQLplus scripts that update tags in the InfoPlus.21 database. It is imp... |
Problem Statement: This article desribes why the following messages can appear in the Batch21Services.AtlServer.aspen.log.
(2188) 18.02.2005 08:31:24.289 AtAuditTrail::ConnectToAlarmAndEvent - Failed to create an Alarm and Event source component. Stopping all communication with Alarm and Event.: Class not registered
(1... | Solution: Batch.21 automatically tries to connect to Alarm & Event. If Alarm and Event isn't installed or if the connection fails for another reason, one of these messages will be logged every 15 minutes. If Alarm and Event is not installed then these messages can safely be ignored.
Currently there is no way to disable... |
Problem Statement: the following error message occurs when opening the Batch Query Tool from any client, while it runs as expected on the Aspen Batch.21 Server :
JCK_IM: Unable to retrieve any areas from data source. This may be due to a connection or database problem, invalid Batch Data Source, or the permission on th... | Solution: This error is related to an authentication problem. As there have been some issues with using DCOM on Windows 2003 servers make sure the the user having this problem has necessary permissions following the procedure mentioned below:
1. Start Control Panel
2. Select Administrative Tools.
3. Select ... |
Problem Statement: If Aspen PIMS users are sharing model files with a user who has Office 2007 installed on their machine, they will not be able to open the Excel files if they are saved in Excel 2007 format. | Solution: Microsoft has issued a file format conversion utility to allow Excel 2003 to open files saved in Excel 2007 format. You can download the utility from Microsoft's website and run it on your machine. It installs an add-in that allows the new 2007 format files to be opened by Excel 2003.
Below is a link to the... |
Problem Statement: Unexpected file format trying to import Web.21 graphics into Process Graphics. | Solution: Currently, it is possible to export an XML file from the Aspen Process Graphics Editor, then import the XML file into the Web.21 Graphic Studio. It is not possible to go the opposite direction. Doing so will result in the error above. The Aspen Process Graphics Editor Help file has a selection titled, Convert... |
Problem Statement: A trigger is to fire based upon a change of state, but it fires with a mysterious delay. The trigger and the designator are both setup with the extrapolate to current time enabled. | Solution: When using extrapolate to current time, you have to be very careful about the reliability of the data. Make sure that:
1. the interface server clock and the Batch.21 server clock are well synchronized.
2. you always have data available (seeSolution #104737)
When having enabled the extrapolate to cur... |
Problem Statement: A Batch trigger fires and attempts to execute a Custom Command. No result is found, and the error reads Failed to Launch System Command: System Error 2 | Solution: This error will result if the custom command is something that is not an executable (such as dir for directory.) The placeholder I was using for the custom command was dir. This is not an executable, so the request to execute it failed. You can validate if a command can work by using Start|Run. dir fails this... |
Problem Statement: A new option starting with the v2004.1 cumulative patch is that when configuring a BatchSPC variable to be used with Aspen Batch.21 and Aspen Process Explorer SPC Charts, there is a tab in the SPC Variable Properties dialog box with the name of 'Batch Context'.
This tab provides the user with two pai... | Solution: If both conditions are configured on the Batch Context tab, they are linked with an AND operator.
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: Sometimes, when verifying a unit in the BCU Administrator, the following error message is received:
Operand1 has an invalid tag name or name/map combination .
or the following variation of this message:
Invalid tag/name or name/map combination. | Solution: In a vast majority of cases, the reason for this error is a typo in the tag name corresponding to the Operand identified in the error message. Instead of typing the tag name in, you might want to use the Aspen Tag Browser to locate the tags when creating unit scripts. This will ensure the tag name is correct,... |
Problem Statement: Going by the Help files, adding a Characteristic using this syntax looks like it should work:
ch.Add ('MY_CHAR', , atGreaterThan, 0);
However an error occurs at execution. | Solution: Correct syntax requires a numeric indicator for the third field, chosen from this table:
Number
Operator
Description
0
<
atLessThan
1
>
atGreaterThan
2
<=
atLessThanOrEqual
3
>=
atGreaterThanOrEqual
4
=
atEqual
5
<>
atNotEqual
6
LIKE
atLike
Therefore correct syntax for the example line would be:
ch.Add ('MY... |
Problem Statement: When defining an Aspen Batch.21 Automated Report, the user must specify the batches to include in the report. In the Report tab of the Automated Reports Properties window (shown in the screen capture attached to this | Solution: ) there are three methods available:
Do not specify a query
Batch Query
Report Query
The option Do not specify a query should be selected when At the end of every batch is selected on the Schedule tab of the Report Properties window. In this case, the report will be created for each batch after the batch is g... |
Problem Statement: How to view composition for any header / pipe? | Solution: For composition and physical properties, go to View | Results | Composition / Physical properties. If you do see the composition / physical propertise option grayed out, go to File | Preferences | General TAB | check the box for 'save phase properties'.
Note: You need to run the case file once more.
Keywords:... |
Problem Statement: Why is the Aspen Flare System Analyzer file not 'solving' for my scenario? | Solution: Check the following
1. At least one of the source should be active. Go to build ll Scenario ll Double click on Scenario name ll Sources tab. Make sure at least one of the sources is not ignored.
1. At least one of the scenario is active and In the PFD tool bar, you are viewing the correct Scenario. If you hav... |
Problem Statement: Is there any way to use a pipe with a larger diameter than 60’’ in Aspen Flare System Analyzer? | Solution: The largest diameter size available in Aspen Flare System Analyzer’s databank is 60 inch, which means this is the largest size for the users to directly select.
However, if the user needs to use a larger diameter for a pipe segment (or any other custom size), the manual input option can be used.
Changing the ... |
Problem Statement: What does Warning: liquid with vapor pressure drop method mean, and how should I adjust my model? | Solution: You need to be worried about this method if you are using wrong method for pressure drop. Such as, if the pressure drop method is isothermal gas or adiabatic gas and you got this message, that means the model you selected is not the right one (it is not gas but two phases). If you negligible amount of liquid ... |
Problem Statement: Why does my rated flow change a lot with small change relief pressure when I set up zero superheat temperature for pure component system? | Solution: This happens when you use the superheat temperature as exactly zero. With pure component, Aspen Flare System Analyzer will have difficulty to identify the fluid phase as vapor or liquid. In this case, you may want to give a very small value to avoid the problem.
Keywords: PRV, Rated Flow, Superheat
References... |
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