question stringlengths 19 6.88k | answer stringlengths 38 33.3k |
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Problem Statement: How can I set a variable equal to the initial value of another variable?
This is needed for example when you want to monitor the conversion in a batch reactor. If we have a simple reaction such as A --> B, the conversion is equal to (CA(t) - CA(0)) / CA(0), where CA(t) is the concentration at time t,... | Solution: The model below shows how this can be done.
Model Reactor
CA as conc_mole (initial);
CA0 as conc_mole;
r as realvariable (description:reaction rate);
k as realvariable (fixed, 0.123, description:kinetic constant);
// material balance
$CA = -r;
// reaction rate
r = k*CA;
// conversion
con... |
Problem Statement: A simulation that uses user procedures returning derivatives is running correctly in version 11.1 but fails in version 12.1 with the following error message:
An exception (code 0xc0000005 - access violation) occurred in user procedure pExampleDerivs, loaded from D:\how to return derivatives\example.d... | Solution: The handling of derivatives from procedures has been changed in version 12.1. The derivative matrix (usually called DERIVS) is allocated memory by ACM only if the derivatives are to be calculated by the procedure (if ICALL is 3 or 4). This means that DERIVS should not be accessed in the other cases.
For examp... |
Problem Statement: Expressions and statements in tasks require values to be specified in base units of measurements (usually Metrics, for example for Aspen Dynamics simulations). This is annoying if you are used to non-metric units. Is there any trick that could make life easier? | Solution: Two approaches can be used:
Create variables (fixed) in Flowsheet constraints, a dummy equation to make them active, with the appropriate variable time. You can then use these variables in the task statements, the unit conversion will be handled in the flowsheet LocalVariables table automatically.
Use a scri... |
Problem Statement: How does the new Vapor Phase Association (VPA) model in AES 10.2 work? | Solution: A new Vapor Phase Association (VPA) model of IK-CAPE (a consortium of German companies which cooperate to define key standard property models and data exchange format for use in Computer-Aided Process Engineering) has been added to Aspen Properties. This VPA model is more general than the existing vapor phase... |
Problem Statement: You can use the automation methods and properties to build a flowsheet remotely using, for example, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel.
You may wish use automation to:
Automate repetitive changes to flowsheet layout.
Add new blocks from a list of unit names and types already existing in Exc... | Solution: The attached example shows the basic commands for adding a new block to the flowsheet and connecting it to existing blocks.
The file is an Excel spreadsheet that contains a macro. If you are asked whether you wish to enable macros when you open the .xls file choose to enable. You need to edit the VB code (acc... |
Problem Statement: How do I refer to .NET KB dlls from a different location? | Solution: We refer to .Net DLL KBs in the library set configuration file by specifying the KB directory path using the following definition:
ManagedKBsDirectory= C:\KBS
This definition refers to all KB .dll files in the C:\KBS location.
For one workspace you can only have one KBs dll directory, if you want you can al... |
Problem Statement: How do I display Case name in a datasheet or a drawing? | Solution: The GlobalsClassView class view has the attribute CaseName. This can be used to display the case name in a datasheet or drawing.
To display in a datasheet:
You can create a field of type' value' and map this to CaseName attribute under GlobalsClassView
To display in a drawing:
You can create a label with an a... |
Problem Statement: If we move Workspaces and Workspace Libraries folder to different server (on different computer on which Aspen Basic Engineering is not installed), then to which account should we give access rights to access these folders and what kind of access should we provide (i.e. read only or read and write)? | Solution: You should provide access rights to ZYQADADMINISTRATOR group and ZYQADUSER group based on this table below.
Workspaces Folder
Workspace Libraries Folder
ZyqadAdministrator Groups
Read and Write access
Read and Write access
ZyqadUsers Groups
Read and Write access
ReadOnly access is possible
Keywords: User ac... |
Problem Statement: What call should be used for the Nelder Mead estimation parameters?
For the NL2Sol parameters there is some examples from the online help which show which calls should be used for this parameter option, but for the Nelder Mead parameters this is not available. | Solution: When you open the Help topic Estimation Solver Properties please look at the OpenNLPEstSolverParameter row in the table and there you can see example of the syntax for calling parameters. To set Nelder-Mead options substitute Nelder-Mead with OpenNLPEstSolverParameters and use the following call syntax:
App... |
Problem Statement: How do I change the scale of the symbol/label in graphic definer? | Solution: You can change the scale of a symbol or label using the 'scale' button from the toolbar:
If you don't see the scale button in the toolbar then you can activate it by right clicking on the gray area and picking 'change' toolbar from the menu as below:
Keywords: GUI, interface, settings, customization
Reference... |
Problem Statement: I want to create datasheets on Aspen Basic Engineering (ABE) from Aspen HYSYS simulation data (Figure 1), but I do not want to create PFDs. How I can do that?
Figure 1. Aspen HYSYS library model Natural gas dehydration with TEG. | Solution: This can be accomplished by using the ABE Simulation Importer and ABE Explorer.
Please do the following to create a datasheet from ABE Explorer using imported simulation results.
1. Import your HYSYS model using Simulation Importer.
2. From the Simulation Importer mapping dialog box, click Select/ Opt... |
Problem Statement: How do I find the class name of an object using the query editor based on object ID? Or, if we know the object ID then how can we find the class of that object from query editor? | Solution: To find a class of object using Query Editor application you need to open Query Editor from Explorer application by going to View menu.
Once Query Editor is opened you can write below query which assumes Object ID is 1234. You can replace this Object ID number with your specific Object ID.
<%
set objClass =... |
Problem Statement: Which version of Smartplant Foundation is compatible with Aspen Basic EngineeringV 7.3 | Solution: Aspen Basic Engineering V7.3 is compatible with Smartplant Foundation 4.3
Keywords: Compatibility, SPF, smartplant
References: None |
Problem Statement: How does Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger calculate the total surface area? | Solution: The total surface is calculated from the number of bundles per unit times Ext surface/bundle
In this example, you can see we have a total surface of 351.3 m2 because there is one baysperunit and one bundle per bay
Keywords: Air cooled exchanger, total surface area, bundle, ext surface.
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why are some values from UOStreams not transferred to Aspen Basic Engineering (ABE) Streams when using the Simulation Importer to transfer simulation results? | Solution: Make sure the attributes that you are trying to transfer from UOStream to ABE Stream exists in ObjecMapperFlow Classview and composite view.
If that attribute does not exist then you need to customize ObjectMapperFlow Classview and compositeview to add these attributes.
Once customization is done, then you ne... |
Problem Statement: When I add the Service.sym label to a PFD and connect it to a piece of equipment, the only way I can input the service is by creating a datasheet for it. Label cannot be edited from Drawing Editor, the label field is all grayed out and looks like it is locked. | Solution: Options can be attached to a field in a label in the same way as for datasheets to give the end user a pick list of options via the PFD at run time. In this case the label field cannot be edited because it was defined as read only. (See Fig. 1)
In order to make label field edible, do the following:
1. Ope... |
Problem Statement: Why are the Show line number and Print header and footer options greyed out in the KB Script rule editor? | Solution: If mouse cursor is in the Build, Trace or Run Errors tabs or any one of these three tabs are selected then you will see Show Line Numbers and Print header and Footer option is grayed out.
To enable this option click in KB script area as highlighted below and you will see Show Line Numbers and Print Header and... |
Problem Statement: When detaching a datasheet from the XLDSE (Excel Data Sheet Editor), there are some cells that will show the green warning flag on the upper-left corner of the cell(see screenshot below). How can I remove this type of warning messages from these cells? | Solution: In order to avoid showing these warning messages on the cells, under the XLDSE go to File | Options | Formulas | Error Checking, uncheck the option called ‘Enable background error checking’, as the screenshot below shows:
The cells should now be displayed without the green warning flag as shown below:
Keyword... |
Problem Statement: What version of Oracle is supported with ABE 7.3? | Solution: 10g
Keywords:
References: None |
Problem Statement: If one of the property databanks, like Aspen Properties, ComThermo or B-Jac is used to generate the physical property data, then when the program is run, you may get an Input Error 8002 that stops the execution of the program. This | Solution: explains how you can run the program at low temperatures.Solution
Depending upon the stream that is giving problems, go to the Input | Property Data | Tube Stream Properties | Properties tab, where you may notice that the lowest temperature in the Range field has a dark red background, indicating that the inp... |
Problem Statement: DMCplus has to read loop status and alarm status of Yokogawa CENTUM as integer value or its calculation cannot handle character strings. | Solution: For CENTUM CS
*** 25-Feb-2008 11:25PM *** Matsuno, Hiroaki ***
Following shows how to read loop status as integer
CS type Use @MODE
Example FC3105.@MODE
MAN 8388608
ROUT 262144
RCAS 524288
AUTO 4194304
CAS 2097152
XL/V type
Sample : FC3105.LS
MAN 9
AUTO 11
CAS 19
SPC 27
Keywords: EXAOPC
Yokogawa CENTUM
Refe... |
Problem Statement: Fixing Aspen DMCplus Model Near-Colinearities | Solution: An explanation / overview of the Smart Audit tool is provided in that attached document.
Download document and open.
Keywords: tools, model, dmc, co-linearity
References: None |
Problem Statement: How can we change database location for existing SQL workspace? | Solution: You can change database location, user name and password from workspace.udl file located under that particular Workspace folder.
For example if your workspace name is AZ162 then you can change these information by opening workspace.udl file which is by default located at C:\AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineering1... |
Problem Statement: After successfully running an Air Cooled Exchanger case, on Results | Calculation Details | Interval Analysis - Tube Side | Pressure Change tab, users will see there is a column called ''Flow Pattern Data'', containing ''X'' ''Y'' ''Flow pattern'' and ''Regime''.
This | Solution: explains what they mean.
Solution
Users will see ''Flow Pattern Data'' outputs like this:
The column ''Flow pattern'' refers to the tube orientation, which can be seen from the table below together with the empirical flow pattern map used.
Flow Pattern
Empirical Flow Pattern Map
HF
VD
VU
ID
... |
Problem Statement: Why can't I find the unmapped simulation objects in the workspace after transferring the results? | Solution: Whether the unmapped simulation objects will stay in the workspace or will be deleted from the workspace depend on the setting under Results=>options. If the option Delete unmapped simulation objects under Results|Options is checked, then the unmapped simulation objects will be deleted from the workspace afte... |
Problem Statement: User experiences frequent crash in modeler based product (ACM, APD etc) with the message: Cannot Open PlotData.CPD to write in his machine. What is reason of this crash and how do I prevent it? | Solution: PlotData.CPD is created in AM_XXXX in ACM based product to save plot related data while running dynamic models. It saves plot related variables history.Model may crash while writing in PlotData.CPD.Following are the reasons and the steps how to prevent this crash:
1. One reason would be interference wit... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to report the stream composition in the Air Cooled Exchanger results? | Solution: Starting with Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger Program V7.2, when the tube side stream physical properties are calculated using one of the internal properties packages (B-JAC, COMThermo and Aspen Properties), phase composition information is generated at each of the property points. This information is used to prod... |
Problem Statement: Which classviews are used during import and export operations in Thermal Design Interface? | Solution: The Export To Option uses the following class views, depending on the type of object selected for export:
Export To
Classview Name
Aspen Aircooled
AcolPlusExchangerInput
Aspen Plate
PlatePlusExchangerInput
Aspen Shell&Tube
TascPlusExchangerInput
File | HTRI
HTRIExchangerInput
File | EDR
TascPlusExchangerInp... |
Problem Statement: What versions for Fortran compiler are supported? Which version of developer studio should be used with Aspen Custom Modeler? These are common questions from Aspen Custom Modeler users. | Solution: This table gives the requirements for users intended to develop their own components to run in Aspen Custom Modeler. The selection of Fortran compiler options has been expanded since V7.2.
Fortran
C++
Visual Basic
For procedures
For procedures or exporting model to Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS
For custom f... |
Problem Statement: How is the order of workspaces decided in administration tool? | Solution: Workspaces are listed in same order as defined in 'workspaces.lst' file under ..\AspenZyqadServer\Basic Engineering16.2\Workspaces. If you want to change the order in administration tool, you should open 'workspaces.lst' with notepad and modify it.
Keywords: configuration, display
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I delete a bridge? | Solution: You can delete a bridge from the explorer tool. To do that:
Open Explorer tool
Create new folder
Add bridge to that folder which you want to delete
Once bridge is added to the folder you can right click on bridge and delete it.
Keywords: delete, bridge delete
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to include the class store in new library? | Solution: When you create a new library, then engineeringmodel.azcs is included in it by default. If you want to include any other class store, you should place it under C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Basic Engineering Vx.x\WorkspaceLibraries\DataModel.
After placing it, Open the command to create new library and pressure ... |
Problem Statement: When you try to compile edi_emulation.c that is supplied with ACM, you get the following error message:
Microsoft (R) 32-bit C/C++ Optimizing Compiler Version 12.00.8804 for 80x86 Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp 1984-1998. All rights reserved.
edi_emulation.c
atutcfor.h(357) : fatal error C1189: #error ... | Solution: You have to define two preprocessor symbols to activate the proper macros.
For the command line compilation you need the options /DWIN32 /DINTEL_X86
If you build from a Visual Studio project, follow these steps:
go to Project, Settings
select the Settings For: to All Configurations
go to the tab C++
select th... |
Problem Statement: How is the Face Velocity calculated in Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger? | Solution: In Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger, the face velocity is calculated by the total actual volumetric flow rate over the total bundle face area (as there is only one output, it cannot considered the number of fans that are off).
Where:
M = Air Mass Flow
Rho = Air Dens... |
Problem Statement: Why am I able to enter my option in some drop-down cells in the datasheet editor but not in others? | Solution: There are two reasons that you cannot enter own options in drop-down cells beside the list of options that are already available:
1. The field in datasheet editor is mapped to an attribute of closed enumeration type.
2. When options for the field are defined using datasheet definer and those are defined as cl... |
Problem Statement: In a cylindrical coordinate system, a volume average of temperature (in a system with no angular dependence) is given by:
Tavg = 2/(R^2 * L) * DoubleIntegral( T(r,z) * r * dr * dz)
with integration limits of r = 0 to R, and z = 0 to L.
How can I do this in ACM? | Solution: In version 12.1 it is possible to evaluate the integral of distributed quantities. So, you need to create a new distribution with the quantity you want to integrate:
Model Example
Radius as lengthparameter (1);
L as lengthparameter (2);
pi as realparameter (4*atan(1));
r as lengthdomain (length:... |
Problem Statement: How to change the value of a global variable using Visual Basic for Applications without explicitly qualifying the variable, e.g.
Flowsheet.Global.GlobalVarName is currently required,
why not
Flowsheet.Global(GlobalVarName) or Flowsheet.Globals(GlobalVarName) | Solution: The statements Flowsheet.Global(GlobalVarName) or Flowsheet.Globals(GlobalVarName) are incorrect. However you can easily achieve this with the Resolve function.
Example for a flowsheet script:
on error resume next
vname = Tamb ' this is the variable name
v = Global.Resolve(vname)
if err.number <> 0 then
err.c... |
Problem Statement: How to create multiple line field in a datasheet? | Solution: You should define that particular field as multiple line in datasheet definer as below.
Open Datasheet definer and connect to workspace.
Open that particular datasheet for which you want a field to be multiple line
Map that field to appropriate line (see help file for detail on how to map a field)
Select that... |
Problem Statement: This is a simplified version of a real application for reactor modelling with ACM.
A structure is used to store the kinetic data.
Structure KinDataStructure
K as realvariable (fixed, 42);
End
A reaction model is then used for the calculation of reaction rates:
Model reaction
kin as external KinDa... | Solution: To provide the same reference in sub-models as in the parent model declare a structure reference in the sub-model, and give the parent reference as an argument to the sub-model instance. For this specific example: two changes are required in the reactor model, as shown below.
Model reactor
kin as external K... |
Problem Statement: How to manually uninstall Aspen Custom Modeler models from your machine. | Solution: You can uninstall models that have been exported both as windows installer packages and as dll files. The method will vary depending on the file type chosen:
- For dll files, open the ACM version from which the model was exported. Go to Tools / Delete Exported Model or Structure dll. A new window will o... |
Problem Statement: How do I export multiple datasheet of a particular object together using datasheet editor? | Solution: You can create xml files for all datasheets of a particular object at one time. This is how it works
1. Select one or more datasheet to export to xml format in datasheet editor, as below
2. This will generate 1 xml file
3. Load Excel Datasheet Generator =>pull up generate menu and browse to relevant xml file.... |
Problem Statement: Why do I not see AZ162 workspace for V7.3 64 bit install? | Solution: ABE (Aspen Basic Engineering) V7.3, 64 bit version does not support OOTB (Out Of The Box) Access workspace. So you will not see AZ162 workspace on your system.
You need to create a new workspace using SQL Server or Oracle database. For more information on supported version of database, please refer to Install... |
Problem Statement: In the Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR) suite of programs, users own enhancement data may be entered into the program to model enhanced surfaces on the outside or inside the tubes.
The purpose of this | Solution: is to describe the different methods available to enter the X-side enhancement for Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger, where if a Tube shape, other than round is used ( Input > Exchanger Geometry > Tubes > General tab ) then enhancement data must be entered.
The enhancement outside the tubes is entered from Input ... |
Problem Statement: How to select which variables to declare in ports and streams? | Solution: It is a difficult question to answer which variables to pass in ports, and the discussion below gives some pointers and ideas.
You can stick to the Connection stream type instead of creating your own stream types. This avoid completely the decision of which variables to define in streams. This minimizes the n... |
Problem Statement: How to handle multidimension arrays and single dimension arrays as input/ouput arguments of a procedure? | Solution: It is possible to use a slice of a multidimensional array as an argument to a procedure which expects a single dimension array. The single dimension array is build from the list of the elements specified from the multidimension array.
For example, the procedure pTestArray takes one single dimension array as i... |
Problem Statement: Can Aspen Basic EngineeringV 7.3 coexist with other versions? | Solution: V7.3 will not coexist with V7.1 or V7.2. It can coexist with Aspen Zyqad 2006.5, Aspen Basic Engineering V7.0 (or previous versions). Aspen Basic Engineering V7.3 will update versions V7.1 or V7.2 ? it will use the
same workspaces and workspace libraries.
Keywords: coexist, co-exist
References: None |
Problem Statement: Why dosen't the Browse operation show all existing/accessible workspaces? | Solution: This behaviour is seen when you have special xml character in workspace name or special xml character in workspace description while creating a workspace. Special character are neither allowed in workspace name nor in workpspace description
To fix workspace name issue you can refer toSolution ID 128378 and ch... |
Problem Statement: How to handle multiple process streams in a single Air Cooled Exchanger? | Solution: You cannot setup multiple services in a single Air Cooled Exchanger file. Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger allows the plenum width being greater than the width of each of the tube bundles, and for different air flowrates over each tube bundle. In this case, the user has to set up separate Air Cooled file for each s... |
Problem Statement: How do I run the backup utility from Aspen Basic Engineering explorer? | Solution: If both the client and Server components are installed on the machine, then you can run AZBackup utility from ABE Explorer. Below are the steps:
1. Open ABE Explorer.
2. Click on Tools=>Customize. Below window will appear:
3. Press 'Add' button and Browse for location of AZBackup.exe file in command box. ... |
Problem Statement: How do I change Textbox Font Size to Metric or English units for dumb text in drawing editor? | Solution: You can change this from Control Panel | Regional settings | Click on Customize button and choose appropriate Measurement System as shown in screen shot below.
Keywords: change unit
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the default value of atmospheric pressure in Aspen Basic Engineering? | Solution: The default value of atmospheric pressure is 101325 Pa.
Keywords: default values, pressure
References: None |
Problem Statement: Within the Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger, the bundle geometry can be entered in two ways, as described by | Solution: #125260. The bundle “Tube layout” can be set, where from the number of tubes in a row, the fin tip diameter and the traverse pitch, the bundle width is determined. Solution
The bundle width will depend upon the type of bundle selected, where this may have the same number of tubes in each row, where adjacent ... |
Problem Statement: I created .ztx files for my legacy datasheet .ztf templates using a batch migration via the Datasheet
Migration Tool. I am able to open the migrated datasheets under the legacy Datasheet editor but
get the below error when trying to open migrated datasheets in Excel Datasheet Editor. In the end,
data... | Solution: Corrupted lines in DescriptiveText.txt (WorkspaceLibraries\AdditionalFiles) is the cause why Opening
Workspace fails in Excel Datasheet Editor.
Corrupted lines come possibly from corrupted Unicode symbols which makes the server fails to load data.
When entering Unicode symbols into descriptiveText.txt (which ... |
Problem Statement: What are different ways to export data from Aspen Basic Engineering to different interfaces and formats? | Solution: You can export data to several interfaces and to several formats.
Interfaces and format you can use are as follows:
A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
1. Thermal design interface:
Using this interface, you can transfer data to detail heat exchanger design software like Excha... |
Problem Statement: What kind of change in excel datasheet definition file (*.xls) does not require workspace re-load when using Excel Datasheet Editor? | Solution: If you use the Excel Datasheet editor, you can change the cell format in datasheet template and the change can be seen the next time you open the datasheet. This is because the excel source file is used at run-time and this will not require workspace re-load.
If you change something related to the field attri... |
Problem Statement: For a process that repeats in cycles, I want the variable of a dynamic simulation to reinitialize itself after a certain condition has been met. How do I do this? | Solution: The model can be written as:
Model cycle
a as notype (0, initial);
b as notype (0, initial);
$a = 1;
$b = $a;
End
Write the task to flowsheet level as below:
Task MyTask Runs At 0;
 B1.a : 0;
 B1.b : 0;
Â
Restart When B1.b >= 10 ;Â
End
Keywords: Restart When, Cycles, Reinitialize, Task
Referen... |
Problem Statement: How to know the workspace is registered with which SPF plant? | Solution: With the Explorer tool, add the <F-1 GlobalClass> object into a folder. Double-click on the object to see the attributes. You should see a Plant subobject which has the SPF plant name specified under the name attribute.
Keywords: SPF, smart plant foundation, name, workspace name
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I determine the unit of measure (UOM) when the label only displays a number in the 'value' field? | Solution: Ideally, the label should have value field as well as UOM field. If the label has only value field, it will pick the unit of measure from the quantity type for the attribute as specified the Class library editor. The UOM display order defined for the quantity type decides the unit of field when Unit set is se... |
Problem Statement: What geometry do I select for AirCooled / crossflow Exchangers? | Solution: The following is a quick guide on how air-cooled exchanger geometry is selected:
Tube outside diameter - for the process industry 25.4mm (1) tends to be the most common.
Tube wall thickness - there is no short cut for deciding this.
Keywords: Geometry selection, air cooler, air cooled, quick guide
Reference... |
Problem Statement: When I want to hide objects from a PFD, I change the category of objects and filter them. However this cannot be done with arrows. Arrows return to their original category instead of keeping the one assigned to them. | Solution: Create a new arrow symbol with Graphics Definer and assign as default category the one that will be used to filter out the new arrow on PFD?s. Name the new arrow symbol with a suffix that differentiate it from the original one.
Keywords: Arrows, hide objects on PFD?s.
References: None |
Problem Statement: There are many calculation options in the standalone version of Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR). Are all of these options available in Aspen HYSYS? | Solution: The supported simulation calculation options for air coolers using EDR in HYSYS are the following:
1.- Outlet temperatures on both sides (method 1)
3.- Outlet temperatures on both sides and X-side flow
5.- Process flow and X-side outlet temperature
6.- X-side flow and X-side outlet temperature
If there is... |
Problem Statement: How is inheritance used in Aspen Custom Modeler? | Solution: The use of inheritance within ACM is pretty common. It enables you to create new types which build upon existing ones. It helps avoid declaring same types again and again. Instead you can use an inheritance relationship between two type definitions with the keyword USES.
Example in Variable type:
In the fol... |
Problem Statement: How do I export an Aspen Custom Modeler model to Aspen PIMS? | Solution: You can export ACM models for use in Aspen PIMS. Please follow the procedure describe below:
1. In the Simulation Explorer, under Custom Modeling, Models, right-click on the modeland select the Export to DLL command.
2. Select a convenient folder where XX.dll is to be installed and click OK.
3. ... |
Problem Statement: Earlier versions of Aspen Custom Modeler allowed users to use an OnStartRun script. This script works correctly in earlier versions, but does not work correctly in V7.3. This knowledge base article describes how to prevent the OnStartRun script from running recursively. | Solution: In Aspen Custom Modeler V7.3, the automation method Simulation.Run has been changed to add a 2nd optional argument to accommodate a request by Aspen Batch Distillation.
Normally when a user executes the method Simulation.Run, it will automatically call the user's OnStartRun script if it is defined. However,... |
Problem Statement: Aspen DMCplus Desktop applications are crashing, appears to be related to OS | Solution: Machine in question is an HP8510 notebook PC, Windows xp SP2, Multi-Language version with HP Tools including finger print log-in support.
By removing finger print program (HP Protect Tolls Security Suite 2.10 A1
Installer: SP37721.exe version 4.0.100.1189) build started to work properly. It can open and save ... |
Problem Statement: How do I simulate natural convection with fan off? | Solution: 1.Use Simulation mode.
2. Select Outlet temperature on both sides, and X-side flow (natural convection) under Simulation Calculation.
3. Specify Forced or Induced type of fan even though fans are not included in the natural convection calculations. Program will give an error if you select No Fan.
4. Provide a... |
Problem Statement: How do I add notes or comments to a model? | Solution: In Simulation Explorer, right click on the flow sheet folder and select properties, there is an Add Notes tab on the property dialog where user can add comments.
In fact, drill down the flow sheet folder, one may add notes similarly at blocks and streams level.
Keywords: Comment, note, annotation, description... |
Problem Statement: This | Solution: shows why you should not use the ABS function in the definition of the objective function for an optimization problem.
Solution
The attached example illustrates the problem. The model is simply:
MODEL example
x1 as realvariable (fixed, 0.1, lower:0, upper:10);
y1 as realvariable;
y1 = 1 - exp(-x1);
y... |
Problem Statement: How is the value, entered for an open enumeration, stored in database? | Solution: New options entered in an open enumeration are saved in the database and available in all attributes which use this enumeration. It is stored in the GlobalClass object under EnumerationOptions attribute
It is possible to delete new options entered in an open enumeration using the tool Enumeration Management a... |
Problem Statement: How do I exit Gap/Ungap mode? | Solution: To exit out of Gap/Ungap mode, uncheck Gap/Ungap check box so that it will look as shown in screenshot below.
Keywords: Gap, ungap, exit
References: None |
Problem Statement: How do I insert a page into a datasheet? When I try to insert the page using the insert command in right-mouse click, it doesn't work. | Solution: If you want to insert a page in an existing datasheet, you should use insert page command in the right- mouse click or you should go to Datasheet menu and pick pages=>insert. When you right click on the page and pick insert, it will not work. It is an excel command. Excel datasheet editor command is insert pa... |
Problem Statement: EDR gives the same default value of airside allowable pressure drop in Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger. How does EDR calculate this value? | Solution: This value is determined by the limitations of commercial axial flow fans and the noise regulations that might take place. For low fan noise operation, the generated pressure drop will be in the range of 100-200 Pa (0.014-0.029 psi).
If a higher value has to be used, make sure your equipment will be able to o... |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger, values for vapour and liquid flow in the ‘Results ¦ Calculation Details ¦ Interval Analysis – Tube Side’ menu, differ from those reported in other menus, such as Results Summary. | Solution: The values in Interval Analysis refer to the flow in a single tube of the bundle (in a given row and pass). In order to retrieve the overall values in the Results Summary menu, the user should multiply the value for an individual tube by the number of tubes in the rows and by the number of inlet or outlet row... |
Problem Statement: How do I import my Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM) simulation into Aspen Basic Engineering (ABE)? | Solution: Yes, the ability to import an Aspen Customer Modeler simulation (.acmf file) was introduced in 2006. It is necessary that Aspen Custom modeler is installed on the client machine and a valid license is also required.
1. Load Aspen Basic Engineering Simulation Importer
2. Browse to relevant acmf file, simulatio... |
Problem Statement: How do I make a new folder in the Symbols directory appear in the drawing editor? | Solution: The structure of symbols in Drawing editor depends on the folder structure of Symbols folder. If you have created a custom directory in Symbols library, you also need to make sure that you add this directory to Pfd.xml file which is located in the Templates folder. You can open this file using Notepad and mak... |
Problem Statement: How do I modify the default value of atmospheric pressure? | Solution: The default value of atmospheric pressure is 101325 Pa, but it can be overridden by setting the local value of attribute at the Global objects. To do that:
1. Open ABE explorer.
2. Add Global object in new folder.
3. Double click on the global object to open attribute view. To show all attributes, press Optio... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to use Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM) automation methods when the simulation is launched by Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW)? For example, I cannot figure out how to change the specification of a variable with ASW, while it is possible with ACM. | Solution: You first need to get the name of the active simulation by using the formula =ASWActiveSimulation(), then the full path of the simulation file (with =ASWSimulationPath(<name of the active simulation>)).
You can then invoke the GetObject function (to use the currently running ACM session with the same simula... |
Problem Statement: Sometimes we need to define an extra fan on our exchanger. How can we define this? | Solution: You can add spare fans and also determine the amount of flow going through each of the fans.
If you go to Input | Program Options | Outside Distribution you can specify the flow going through each of the fans.
Let's assume that we have a line of 3 fans. This should look like this:
If for example, you want to ... |
Problem Statement: How do I avoid having two Modeler libraries when I create my own library? | Solution: Modeler library is automatically attached when you start Aspen Custom Modeler. This causes any library you create to refer to Modeler, even if none of your custom types actually use Modeler types.
This does not cause the library to be any bigger, nor does it cause extra memory usage or load time.
If you wish ... |
Problem Statement: Need method to extract DMCplus VEC files from PI database | Solution: See attachment which contains below instructions along with an executable and dll and an excel spreadsheet.
How to extract PI data automatically and output directly a CLC file compatible with DMCplus Model
This can be useful if the customer has already a PI database installed and if you wish to use DMCplus ... |
Problem Statement: How to assign Fluid medium object to Stream using a method. | Solution: The attached KB file includes a method which can be used to link a Fluid Medium object to a stream. The KB file can be loaded in the workspace by coyping the two attached files in the KBS directory of the library and then adding the name AssignFluidMedium in the KBScripts section of the library configuration ... |
Problem Statement: How to access the ionic charge for electrolytes in ACM | Solution: To access the ionic charge of electrolytes, the procedure pParam can be used. An example code can be seen below and the file can be found in the attachment.
The aspen properties file needs to be configured prior to accessing this parameter.
Model test
chargg(ComponentList) as RealVariable;
call (chargg)... |
Problem Statement: In Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger on Results | Mechanical Summary | Exchanger Data | Fan Details tab in Fan Noise Level section, there are two groups of data being reported - ''Low Performance'' and ''High Performance''. What do these outputs mean? What is the differentiation between the ''Low Performanc... | Solution: Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Sound is caused by the oscillation of air-molecules, which cause a sound wave to be propagated. The oscillation of the air-molecules causes a vibration from the normal atmospheric pressure and this is characterized by the rate at which the vibration occurs and the magnitude... |
Problem Statement: It is very useful to package certain calculations within submodels for modularity, easier maintenance and re-usability of code. When modelling partial differential equation systems, distributed variables may need to be used in submodels and they required to be defined in as general way as possible so... | Solution: We describe below the procedure to implement a submodel using distributed variables and we include an example to illustrate its use.
The example used is a modified version of the Heated Slab example included in the Aspen Custom Modeler installation. It was modified to contain a temperature dependent thermal c... |
Problem Statement: I don't want to see the branch points when I print out the PFD. How can I make them invisible? | Solution: When branches are created between connectors in Drawing Editor, it automatically inserts the black circle indicating where the branch is located. These black dots are called 'branch points'. If you don't want to see the branch points on PFD, you can hid them. All you have to do is open drawing, go to View -> ... |
Problem Statement: I see a Hierarchy under Custom Modeling, Models and another under Modeler, Models. Why are there two and how should I use them? | Solution: The models are identical and can be used interchangeably. Usually, when you are creating your own models you are working in Custom Modeling, so the Hierarchy model is there to ease the work flow and avoid having to switch between libraries to obtain the models required while building the flowsheet.
However th... |
Problem Statement: An Even Driven Task that worked fine in 10.2 and earlier versions now in 11.1 loops repeatedly after they have finished processing. The message is similar to the following:
Task 't1': Task ran successfully at 2.830000 but waiting for other conditions.
Task 't1': Looking for next (re)start condition.
... | Solution: Tasks are handled more strictly starting in version 11.1 - if you only intend theSolution to run only one time then you should include the keyword ONCE in the conditional expression that triggers the task.
For example, in 11.1 this task loops repeatedly when run:
TASK t1 RUNS WHEN TIME == 2.83
Tank1.... |
Problem Statement: How do you save the plots and tables screen display so that you see the same screen layout after re-opening a simulation? | Solution: Use the screen capture feature, available from the Tools menu under Capture Screen Layout... This saves the layout of the forms by auto generating a script in the Flowsheet folder. This script is saved for use next time you run the simulation.
To re-open the plots and tables go to Flowsheet folder in the Simu... |
Problem Statement: How to solve: The required version of Visual Studio for exporting models was not found - compilation aborted. | Solution: Visual Studio provides the compiler and linker for ACM to export models into Aspen Plus or Aspen HYSYS. The official supported version of Visual Studio can be found in the ACM documentation under Compatibility Notes. Although the compatibility is version specific, if a different release of Visual Studio is in... |
Problem Statement: Where can I set default symbol type if I am importing equipment from capitol cost estimator? | Solution: For every Class of particular object, you will see an attribute with name DefaultSymbol, which should have default symbol path and name defined. You can change this to meet your requirement.
Keywords: Default symbol type.
References: None |
Problem Statement: How to migrate data from previous versions to V 7.0 or V7.1? | Solution: To migrate a workspace configuration to Aspen Basic Engineering V7.0 or V7.1:
1) Copy the library from the older version and paste in the newer version.
a) In Windows Explorer, locate the library in the older version of Aspen Zyqad, which is usually located in C:\AspenZyqadServer\AspenZyqadXX.X\WorkspaceLibra... |
Problem Statement: How can I change workspace description for existing workspace? | Solution: You can change workspace description from privileges.xml file by opening it with notepad and change the highlighted part as shown in screenshot below to meet your requirement.
Keywords: Change description, modify workspace description
References: None |
Problem Statement: What is the effect of louvers on the outside pressure drop? | Solution: Louvers are used to provide process side temperature control and prevent damage to the bundle due to climatic conditions. Louvers affect the outside bundle pressure drop and the price estimate.
The type of louver affects the total outside pressure drop as it presents an additional resistance to the flow. If t... |
Problem Statement: Within Aspen Air Cooled Exchanger, from the Input > Exchanger Geometry > Geometry Summary > Geometry tab, two of the traverse, longitudinal pitch or tube layout angle should be entered to define the bundle layout. | Solution: The relationship between the traverse, longitudinal pitch and layout angle is shown below.
The transverse pitch of the tubes is the distance between the centre-lines of consecutive tubes in the same tube row. The default is 2.3 times the tube outer diameter.
For the longitudinal pitch of the tubes, if you hav... |
Problem Statement: In simulation of compressors or other shutdown systems, it is quite common to have multiple events to trigger the same sequence of actions. How can this be implemented in ACM? | Solution: An apparently simple way is to use callable tasks, for example, with two tasks which call the same callable task.
Task T2 runs once when tank2.flowin.flow > 3.1
Call subtask1 ; End
Task T3 runs once when tank3.flowin.flow > 3.1
Call subtask1 ; End
Task SubTask1
Ramp(Tank1.flowin.flow, 4.0, 5.0);
End
It c... |
Problem Statement: How to install an ACM DLL manually if the Windows installer fails? | Solution: On the Export Save As dialog uncheck the Delete Intermediate Files option
Click OK to export the DLL
Your directory will now contain model DLL plus source code and object files. The source code and object files can be deleted.
Using Notepad or another editor, edit C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Applic... |
Problem Statement: How do I map a symbol to an expansion template while creating PPID from PFD drawing? | Solution: To map a PFD symbol to an expansion template follow these steps,
1. Open PPID drawing
2. Open Stockpile and select Organise By drop down box to By diagram
3. Go to your PFD diagram from which you want to create PPID diagram.
4. Right click on the Symbol in stockpile for PFD drawing and choose Symbol Map Optio... |
Problem Statement: When I declare a variable as external in a submodel, it seems I must declare the corresponding variable with exactly the same name in the parent model using the submodel. Is there a way to avoid this limitation? | Solution: You can change the default mapping of external properties. The examples below illustrate the syntax to be used.
Note that the main purpose of the external keyword is to reduce the total number of variables in the simulation, but it causes some limitations (e.g. you may not specify the attributes of the vari... |
Problem Statement: How can I make ABE (Aspen Basic Engineering) Query as a registered file type on my computer? | Solution: ABE query file has an extension .AZQ.
If your computer does not recognize this extension then you can follow these steps to fix this,
1. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer.
2. Click on Tools | Folder option from the tool bar. (You can also use short cut key alt + T on your key board in case you don't see th... |
Problem Statement: When using XLDSE, why are the printed datasheets less than 100% zoom? | Solution: Using XLDSE, for existing datasheets, the printouts may appear less than 100% zoom. This occurs if the worksheet has something defined outside the normal print area - e.g. calculations which may be used by the datasheet.
To solve this problem, simply Set Print Area to the borders of the datasheet, save the ... |
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