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Problem Statement: How do I attach a stream to a unit operation using VBA? | Solution: The following example VBA code demonstrates how to attach streams (new and existing streams of material and energy type) to a new unit operation. In this particular case, an expander unit operation is used, but analogous coded can be used for other unit operations (e.g. compressor, etc.):
Dim hyApp As H... |
Problem Statement: In the Batch Extractor Interface you may need more time to run a query. This can be due to a slow connection, busy SQL server or a long query for example. | Solution: Some of the Batch Extractor interface does not have a built in option to change the Timeout settings. The Default timeout is 1 minute.
For example the vDBIS_interface does not have this option. So to change the timeout you will have to follow the steps below to create the necessary registry key:
1. ... |
Problem Statement: What does the ‘Unable to start solver calculation: No calculable sources’ message mean and how to get rid of it? | Solution: The following message will be displayed by Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA) every time that the mass flow (design flow) of either a Relief Valve or a Control Valve is set to 0.0.
Since AFSA performs both an overall mass and energy balance from active source(s) to flare tip and then back calculates pressure... |
Problem Statement: When Fortinet FortiGate is being deployed in the network, user will encounter the following error when adding a remote Aspen Calc server. | Solution: When adding a remote Aspen Calc server, a DCOM connection is made to the server. However, the Fortinet FortiGate has a session helper called DCE-RPC session helper (dcerpc) which also listens on TCP and UDP ports 135.
When using Process Monitor (https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/processmonitor... |
Problem Statement: If I accidentally have both the LOADSOL in table CASE and also enabled option Input | Solution: at the run dialog box but pointing to a differentSolution file which one will be used?
Solution
Entries in table CASE are meant to supersede the ones from run dialog box. The exact rules are: For multiple cases solved one after the other, the first case is treated as a single case. For subsequent cases, if y... |
Problem Statement: In the new pipeline system (v8.7 & above), how are the Gantt Bars displayed for linked pipeline product shipment events, as opposed to the previous versions? | Solution: For product pipeline events, consider this situation:
Before V8.7:
Product Pipeline PLM1 has a capacity of 925 MBbl. So if I create a couple of events like the following for the pipeline:
Note that the second event is linked to the first event.
The pipeline is LONG.
For the first event APS flushes out the ... |
Problem Statement: We are not able to generate Full | Solution: report in Excel format, it is only available in HTML and TXT format. However, some users would like to perform calculation using the content of FullSolution report, therefore, viewing FullSolution in Excel would be more convenient. The question is, how do we view FullSolution report in Excel when PIMS does no... |
Problem Statement: How to create a Unit Parameter Report using Report Wizard in APS? | Solution: In the demo model, look up the CCU unit on the Gantt Screen:
There are 3 unit parameter events here:
As seen above, there is a change in parameter 3, which controls Cat Cracked diesel disposition.
To pull the unit parameters to the refinery report wizard template, please use the following steps
- Turn on M... |
Problem Statement: How does MBO behave when there is negative beginning inventory for a tank? | Solution: When there is a negative beginning inventory value for a component tank, MBO reports it in the Validation report (Model-> Validate Model). As far as the optimization is concerned, MBO tries to avoid that component in the finalSolution, and reports infeasibilities in the fullSolution report.
Example: Here’s ... |
Problem Statement: How do you install the Aspen Properties Excel Calculator Add-In? | Solution: The Aspen Properties Excel Calculator Add-In provides rigorous physical properties as Excel built-in functions. These functions are easy-to-use, can be integrated in spreadsheet calculations, and provide full access to all the property methods and models available in Aspen Properties. You can use these functi... |
Problem Statement: How to report calculated total bed mass from all the “Fixed” inputs like inter/intra particle voidage, adsorbent density, bed height, diameter etc.? | Solution: The total bed mass calculation depends on whether we are using the CSS models or the dynamic models. In the CSS models, there is a variable in the sorbent layer submodel called SWeight which corresponds to the total sorbent weight. The path to the variable is, for example, B1.Layer(1).SWeight
For the dynami... |
Problem Statement: How to incorporate effects of high pressure on the rate of initiator decomposition in free radical polymerization process? | Solution: The rate of initiator decomposition is determined from the modified Arrhenius equation:
There are three parameters in this rate calculation: pre-exponential factor (k0), activation energy (Ea) and activation volume (V). The activation volume parameter is supplied to account for any dependency on pressure. Fo... |
Problem Statement: Which models can be chosen to model a heat exchanger in a Aspen HYSYS Dynamics simulation? | Solution: There are three models available in the Heat Exchanger unit operation (‘Dynamics’ tab, ‘Model’ page):
1-Basic: This model uses an Overall UA factor, which can reflect dependency on the flowrate, if reference values for this variable on the shell and tube side are introduced.
2-Intermediate: This model allows... |
Problem Statement: What is the consequence of changing the ‘Source inlet velocity basis’ option in the Calculation Options Editor, shown below? | Solution: This option influences the velocity used at the inlet of the source element (valve) for purposes of calculating the kinetic energy in the energy balance across the valve only. It is not a velocity specification. Thus, when the option ‘Zero Velocity’ is chosen, the static pressure upstream the valve does not e... |
Problem Statement: How can I minimize some objective functions, while maximizing others in the same Optimizer problem? | Solution: The individual items of the objective function are included in the Derivative Analysis associated with the optimizer. Some items may be associated with cost and some with revenue. The differentiation of cost and revenue items are done by the parameter called “Price” providing positive or negative value. A neg... |
Problem Statement: For streams with significant amount of light components, the calculated Reid vapor pressure is usually off. Why is that? Are there any guidelines for using Reid vapor pressure? | Solution: Reid vapor pressure is the absolute pressure exerted by a mixture (in pounds per square inch) determined at 100 F and at a vapor-to-liquid volume ratio of 4 (ASTM Method D 323. RVP is intended for characterizing the volatility of gasoline and crude oil, with a typical range of 1 to 20 psia. Out of this range,... |
Problem Statement: How can I limit volume-based capacities for Vacuum towers in a weight-based model when the feed is a type 2 cut? | Solution: Most atmosphere tower residual cut is type 2 cut, which means the atmosphere residual can be routed to both VAC tower and other dispositions. Aspen PIMS automatically creates a weight-based capacity for the vacuum units (CVTx). To convert CVTx to volume-based capacity in weight based model, it is treated diff... |
Problem Statement: I have an old ABE code which has been used in previous ABE versions before ABE V10 release. When using a Visual Studio environment to debug this code the following error appears:
“A project with an Output Type of Class Library cannot be started directly.”
How can I debug this old ABE code to be used ... | Solution: In order to debug this code (project) Visual Studio environment has to be used. One has to add an executable project to thisSolution which references the library project and set the executable project as the start-up project following these instructions:
1) Go to:Solution Explorer | Properties | Expand Comm... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to use correlations other than the built-in ones in rate-based distillation? | Solution: Aspen Rate-Based Distillation uses well-known and accepted built-in correlations to calculate binary mass transfer coefficients for the vapor and liquid phases, interfacial areas, heat transfer coefficients, and liquid holdup; however, we have the option to use the rate-based generalized correlations which we... |
Problem Statement: When using the Jones-Dole model to calculate the liquid mixture viscosity of an Electrolyte, the IONMOB parameter doesn't seem to have an effect. | Solution: The Jones-Dole model has 3 different equations, the Jones-Dole, the Breslau-Miller and the Carbonell.
The equation used is dependant on the parameters given:
Parameters Available Equation Used
IONMOB and IONMUB Jones-Dole*
IONMUB Breslau-Miller*
- Carbonell
Note: Even if both the IONMOB and IONMUB parameter... |
Problem Statement: The values of mass exergy reported for a stream are different than the ones the user is expecting. | Solution: This is most likely due to different reference conditions in the calculation. Even though for certain properties Aspen HYSYS uses 15 deg C (60 deg F) as the reference temperature, exergy uses by default a value of 25 deg. C. To change this, access the Correlation manager and set the desired values of temperat... |
Problem Statement: How to specify minimum mass flow across each stages of a multistage turbine to avoid surge condition? | Solution: To avoid surge condition, each stage of a multi-stage compressor must have a minimum mass flow across them. Currently the compressor model does not have an option to add surge curve data. However a specific minimum mass flow rate can be assigned for each stages. To accomplish this, please follow:
Right click ... |
Problem Statement: What is the validated process for Aspen Unified PIMS? | Solution: This KBSolution includes the Validated Process for Production Planning (Aspen Unified PIMS)
Planning is the process of estimating for a future time the optimum crude slates, refinery operations, and production to meet demand and maximize margins. Aspen Unified PIMS is used for many functions within a refiner... |
Problem Statement: How can the temperature difference between two unit operation blocks be set to a specified value? | Solution: Attached is an example of using a parameter variable to set a temperature difference between two Heater blocks.
See file parameter.bkp.
For more information see the Aspen Plus Help topic Simulation and Analysis Tools -> Sequential Modular Flowsheeting Tools -> Accessing Flowsheet Variables.
In this example, a... |
Problem Statement: What is the validated process for Collaborative Demand Management? | Solution: This KBSolution includes the Validated Process for Demand Management (Aspen Collaborative Demand Manager)
There are two major workflows within Collaborative Demand Management. The Demand Management workflow allows demand planners to collect data and use it to create a forecast for market demand. The Collab... |
Problem Statement: When user open Schedule Property Bias from Simulator | Schedule Property Bias, schedule bias screen will freeze at taskbar and not able to open, see screenshot below. | Solution: To resolve, please try these:
Delete the two files in Layouts\Forms of under the APS working folder:
SchedBiasGridAll.xml
SchedBiasFormAll.xml.xml
Then open the dialog and see if it works.
2) Check the size of the table ATORIONPropBiasData. If the size is too big, the dialog may have trouble displaying the ... |
Problem Statement: How to access the historic time point value of a variable during dynamic run? | Solution: Currently, there is no specific variable that holds the value of a variable at a given time. However this can be accomplished by using a flowsheet constraint.
For example, to access the current temperature of the liquid in the condenser the variable is B1.Condenser.LiqOut.T. If we wanted to access the temper... |
Problem Statement: What is the procedure to migrate custom plots in Aspen Production Control Web Server when upgrading to a new version? | Solution: When you create a plot list trough history tab / Plot lists
And then click on Plot All it will show the history plot display:
If you then go to File / Save as you will be able to save an IP.21 Browser Plot Configuration file (*.xml). Save the file under the C:\inetpub\wwwroot\AspenTech\ACOView\plots directory... |
Problem Statement: How to run component splitter in series in HYSYS Dynamics? | Solution: When ever you connect two component splitter with a valve, do NOT check the pressure flow relation check box. Component splitter will calculate the flow rate and pressure for the downstream unit. If you check the pressure flow relation check box(on the Dynamics Tab for valve) then it will be over specified. C... |
Problem Statement: How to increase branching and crosslinking extent in free radical polymerization process? | Solution: Usually branching and cross linking takes place by formation of live polymer directly formed from monomer. Thermal and radiation initiation (INIT-SP) can be utilized to generate live polymer from monomer. This type of reactions do not contribute to generation of free radicals like in Initiator decomposition. ... |
Problem Statement: How can the steam use in a flowsheet be optimized using sequential modular mode? | Solution: Attached is an example of how to optimize the operating margin for a simple flowsheet.
Use optimization to maximize or minimize a user-specified objective function by manipulating decision variables (feed stream, block input, or other input variables).
The objective function can be any valid Fortran express... |
Problem Statement: How to separate the excel instances that I open outside of APS?
In older versions APS would automatically start an excel instance for the units workbook. Every other excel file that is opened by double clicking (Outside of APS), would start a “non-APS”(separate) excel instance. In V8.8. we don’t see... | Solution: There is a setting keyword named EXCEL_IGNORE_REMOTE_REQ that will control whether external excel sheets are opened in a separate excel instance or grouped with APS’s instance.
If EXCEL_IGNORE_REMOTE_REQ -> Y, then each excel file is opened in a separate instance.
The issue is that EXCEL_IGNORE_REMOTE_REQ use... |
Problem Statement: How do I get started on creating simulation models for batch (or integrated batch-continuous) flowsheets in Aspen Plus V10? | Solution: The attached Jump Start Guide provides you with all the necessary information to get started on using the new capabilities of Aspen Plus V10 for modeling batch, semi-batch and integrated batch-continuous processes in the same environment.
The document includes a complete overview, as well as step-by-step ins... |
Problem Statement: How do I calculate a price for electricity generated by a turbine? | Solution: Unlike a compressor which consumes power to run, a turbine creates power that can be used for applications such as driving an electric generator. The following article describes how to calculate a price for the electricity generated. Please see the attached file which accompanies the content below.
After s... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to have different phase temperatures in a holdup volume? | Solution: Yes. If non-unity flash efficiencies are specified for the holdup then it is possible to see different temperatures for the phases within the holdup. In Dynamics | Holdup | Advanced, the user is able to specify the efficiencies, including Recycle efficiency, Feed/Product Efficiencies, as shown below:
Those e... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to have different phase temperatures in a holdup volume? | Solution: Yes. If non-unity flash efficiencies are specified for the holdup then it is possible to see different temperatures for the phases within the holdup. In Dynamics | Holdup | Advanced, the user is able to specify the efficiencies, including Recycle efficiency, Feed/Product Efficiencies, as shown below:
Those e... |
Problem Statement: During the | Solution: of a Mixed Integer model (MIP) with the XPRESS optimizer, the model generates a message such as:
During Optimize, N_Status error code=2
or
During Optimize, XPRS_LPSTATUS error code = 2
Solution
Though this message may mean that the model is integer infeasible occasionally it can also mean that the solver is s... |
Problem Statement: Standard Gas Flow（MMSCFD）とMolar Flow（MMSCFD）で値が異なる | Solution: HYSYSでは、すべての流量はkgmole/s単位で内部保存されており、ディスプレイ上にはユーザー指定された単位系に単位換算されて表示されます。
Molar Flowの表示単位としてMMSCFDもしくはm3/day(gas)を使用する場合、まずプログラム内にハードコードされた換算係数（std_m3/kgmole）を用いて標準状態での体積流量に変換されますが、このときの標準状態の定義は、MMSCFDの場合には60F、1atmが、m3/day(gas)の場合には15℃、1atmが適用されます。これらの換算係数はプログラム内でハードコードされているため、お使いの温度単位によって変わることはありません。
一方、Stand... |
Problem Statement: How to convert Hetran /BJAC / TASC /ACOL / APLE /STX / ACX files to EDR files?
How to use file conversion utility? | Solution: On a Windows desktop click on:
Start\All Programs\AspenTech\Exchanger Design and Rating V7.x\File Conversion Utility
The following window appears
At the top of the window select the file type to be converted to EDR
Select the file to be converted to EDR
Select the destination folder for the converted File
Cli... |
Problem Statement: How can I configure Publish Sets in APS? | Solution: Publish Sets are a way for the APS user to customize his publishing. He controls which refinery variables he wants to see (Tank/Stream) and also which properties to publish.
Additionally, the user can also control specific timestamps to publish at (not obeying APS time periods) Publish sets are a way to speed... |
Problem Statement: Why model clean-up doesn't delete the AO | Solution: files such as XNLP_Solution.001? When I do model clean-up I would like to delete all the outputs and have the model as small as possible.
Solution
These files are not deleted as we deliberately wanted to leave them for the next run. Logic of clean-up is that you delete everything that can be reproduced by re... |
Problem Statement: What are the new tables that store pipeline inventory in APS versions 8.7 and above? | Solution: Here is a sample line fill on the dialog
Segment name: TTLRA
Number of batches: 1
Crude Composition: 50% ARL and 50%BAC
Destination Tank: T254
Tables Involved:
PIPELINE_SEGMENTS: Match the segment name
ROUTES: Route that the batch is a part of
PIPELINE_INV: Baseline IDs for the specific dates
PLINV_COMP: Obt... |
Problem Statement: What is the new feature of AUTO linking events in APS? | Solution: A new feature of Auto-Linking of events has been added to versions v8.4 & above. This feature means that dragging an event bar close to the end of another event bar located on the left hand side automatically links the dragged event to the left event if the distance between the event edges becomes small enoug... |
Problem Statement: How do I create custom edit in excel templates in APS? | Solution: Events on the Gantt screen can be pulled over to Excel for editing. For this, you would have to click and drag over the events that you wish to edit, right click against the selection and hit “Edit in Excel”. However, before that, templates have to be created before use, for every event type. When Edit in Ex... |
Problem Statement: In a weight-based model, we usually recurse SPV value of streams, so that SPV value can be used to convert weight into volume to calculate volume-based property or controlling volume capacity.
Volume = Weight /Density = Weight /(SPG * VTW) = Weight * SPV/VTW
By design, when PIMS report volume of a st... | Solution: Let us use attached simple LP model as reference. Note that this is a simple LP model that is used for demonstration purpose and does not represent a full refinery configuration.
I have a pooling submodel SABC where I recursed SPV value of the pool ABC.
This recursed SPV value is then used to control volume ... |
Problem Statement: Conversion Reactionの順位付けについて | Solution: 添付PDFファイルをご覧ください。
Keywords: JP-
References: None |
Problem Statement: How Exchanger Design & Rating works with Autodesk Inventor products? | Solution: Shell&Tube Mechanical has the capability to export drawings to AutoCAD as following:
Results | Drawings | All Drawings | Modify | Export
When DXF Export button is activated:
Shell&Tube Mechanical calls Autodesk Inventor during exporting sequence.
Inventor is running in the background and creates the 3D mode... |
Problem Statement: What is the validated process for Aspen Fleet Optimizer? | Solution: This KBSolution includes the Validated Process for Sales & Operations Planning (Aspen Fleet Optimizer)
Fuels marketing processes rely on the ability to receive, use, and manage accurate data. This data can be sales and inventory information collected from customers or up-to-date loading and delivery informati... |
Problem Statement: How does APS behave when there are no beginning line fill entries for a pipeline segment on the model start date? | Solution: This behavior is applicable from v8.7. When the user rolls forward and APS does not find beginning pipeline inventory present for the day in the PIPELINE_INV and associated tables, it auto-populates a beginning line fill for the pipeline segment.
From v8.8 CP4 onwards, there will be a warning message to the ... |
Problem Statement: How do I prevent the message, Error > 'GC - 1' A single stage compressor should be used? | Solution: This error will be issued if user has selected a multistage compressor, e.g Centrifugal Compressor - Integral gear is selected. This type of compressor has a minimum number of impellers of 2. If user selects this type of compressor for a single stage compressor, APEA will issue error GC - A single stage compr... |
Problem Statement: How can I design, rate, and debottleneck a demethanizer and deethanizer using Column Analysis? | Solution: In this Aspen Plus example, you will design demethanizer and deethanizer distillation columns using the new Column Analysis feature. Further, you will be performing rating studies to investigate the feasibility to increase ethylene throughput. These studies will all be in the context of a feasibility operatin... |
Problem Statement: How can a stream be copied to other streams? | Solution: Attached is an example of a stream copied to other streams using a Transfer block. See file transfer-str.bkp.
It is possible to use a transfer block to copy the values of flowsheet variables from one part of the flowsheet to another. You can copy to any number of destinations:
Whole streams
Stream compositio... |
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: User is not able to make batch runs. When he tries to start the batch run he gets a window saying Batch Job Started, then it changes to Batch Job Submitted, and at the end he gets Simulation Failed.
The customer has only one Aspen Plus license. | Solution: At least two licenses are required to run Batch Jobs. One for the current session and one for the batch job.
When an Aspen Run in initiated, a license is checked our for the run. Since the customer has only one license for Aspen Plus, there are no more licenses to be awarded to the batch process, therefore th... |
Problem Statement: The semi-ideal heat capacity ratio Cp/(Cp-R) is available in Aspen HYSYS Material Stream Properties tables. This article describes how to report this property in Aspen Plus. | Solution: Cp/(Cp-R) can be calculated and reported in Aspen Plus using property sets and calculator blocks. The attached simulation file consists of a 100% ethane stream, characterized by the Peng-Robinson property method, passing through a heater block. These steps explain how to set up a calculator block reporting Cp... |
Problem Statement: Can backward calculations be calculated using a Balance block? | Solution: The attached file, Balance1.bkp, is an example of backward calculations using a Balance block.
You can use a Balance block to calculate heat and material balances around an envelope of one or more unit operation blocks. The Balance block updates stream variables entering or leaving the envelope with the calcu... |
Problem Statement: Pool boiling is defined as boiling from a heated surface that is submerged in a volume of stagnant liquid. If the temperature of the liquid is below the saturation temperature the process is known as subcooled or local boiling. If the liquid is maintained at saturation temperature then the process ... | Solution: In the diagram below, different representations of boiling are shown for increasing wall superheat or heat flux.
Single phase (Natural convection): Temperature gradients are set up within the pool and heat is removed by natural convection from the surface. The liquid near the heated surface is slightly s... |
Problem Statement: This article delivers a list of new feature document of Aspen InfoPlus.21 starting from V7.1 to V10. | Solution: Solution
From V7.1 to V8.0, all the new feature document of IP.21 can be found in the Help file of InfoPlus.21 Manager.
After V8.0, all new features are introduced only in the release notes of every version. Users can find them in below related link of Release Notes on AspenTech Support website.
V7.1 to V8.... |
Problem Statement: In the Initialization tab in EO, what is the difference between Single Pass and Single Pass Changed? | Solution: We can use the Initialization field to limit the extent of the SMSolution. This option may be useful when troubleshooting convergence issues related to the addition of new blocks.
The following options have different effects during the initialization run.
Solve : Fully converges the SMSolution
Single Pass : ... |
Problem Statement: When using Gas Turbine model, in TempTable, HeatTable and FlowTable there are specific values which show Maximum number of points on Temperature, Heat and Flow curves. In each of this table, and in Power_Vals table one can find also value No. of points in performance curve (NPoints). What is the diff... | Solution: The value No. of points on each performance curve (NPoints) setup the number of points for all performance curves which user want to specify, so Flow, Heat and Temperature.
By default, this value is 10 and all number of points are set to this value.
If user leaves Maximum no. of points on Temperature curve... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to add ASCII tags in the Input Calculation and Output Calculation modules from Aspen IQ? | Solution: No, IQ only supports real numbers for IC and OC input/output variables. Inside IQ runtime code, we have to populate the Aspen Calc input variables with values that are either calculated in IQ or read from DCS (via CIM-IO), and these values are assumed to be floats. Similarly, after the IC or OC calculation ha... |
Problem Statement: How do I export Column Internal stream to the main flowsheet? | Solution: To export a stream from the column subflowsheet to the main flowsheet, double click on the Column | Flowsheet | Internal stream | Add a new stream | (enter stream name) | Select the top stage | Select Net | Click the Export Check box)
User can create a flowsheet stream that represents any phase leaving any st... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to execute Aspen Plus Control Panel Functions from VBA? | Solution: The Aspen Plus Control Panel in Visual Basic is associated with the simulation engine. All of the control panel functions such as Step, MoveTo and Reinitialize may be invoked from stand-alone Visual Basic (VB) or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) within other software such as Microsoft Excel.
The IHAPEngine... |
Problem Statement: Which components in the PURExx pure component databanks have a solubility parameter (DELTA) taken from the FLOWTRAN databank? | Solution: The Solubility Parameter (DELTA) at 25C is used in the Scatchard-Hildebrand model (GMXSH) that calculates liquid activity coefficients used in the CHAO-SEA property method and the GRAYSON property methods. This parameter is in the PURExx and NIST-TRC databanks. In addition, it can be estimated by the Aspen Pr... |
Problem Statement: What is | Solution: strategy for the co-current convective dryer?
Solution
TheSolution of the mass balance and the heat balance depends on the flow regime (co-current, counter-current, or cross-flow). TheSolution of these balance equations is different for different flow regimes.
A Co-current (solids in plug flow, gas in plug f... |
Problem Statement: When using Boiler there are following variables in the input specification which can be included: PerFact, FanCoeffB and FanCoeffC. What is the meaning of these variables? | Solution: PerFac is described as performance factor.
PerFact is a tuning parameter and used to correct Boiler efficiency calculated from the user specified efficiency curve in order to match the plant measurements when Lookup Table option is selected for the boiler efficiency. It is primarily used in the Data Reconci... |
Problem Statement: How does the Rackett liquid volume model handle temperatures above Tc and below melting point? Tc is either the critical temperature of a component or an average Tc defined by the model. | Solution: The Rackett equation has a formula involving an exponent of 1+(1-Tr )2/7 which is invalid above the critical temperature. As a result, a special extrapolation method is required for this equation. This method involves the calculation of an intermediate temperature T00 near the critical temperature. When the t... |
Problem Statement: How do you calculate the make-up flow rate for a recycle loop? | Solution: It is possible to calculate the make-up stream flow using a Calculator block.
In the attached example, the mass flow rate of make-up stream MAKEUP is determined by the amount of benzene in the outlet streams from the flowsheet. The variables are selected in the Calculator block. In order for the simulation to... |
Problem Statement: How can a flowsheet be optimized to maximize product using sequential modular mode? | Solution: Attached is an example of how to optimize the product for a simple flowsheet.
See file Optimize.bkp.
For more information see the Aspen Plus Help topic Simulation and Analysis Tools -> Sequential Modular Flowsheeting Tools -> Optimization.
The value of a reactor product stream is a function of the flow rat... |
Problem Statement: Can the make-up water rate in a flowsheet be calculated using a Balance block? | Solution: The attached file, Balance3.bkp, is an example of calculating a make-up water rate using a Balance block.
You can use a Balance block to calculate heat and material balances around an envelope of one or more unit operation blocks. The Balance block updates stream variables entering or leaving the envelope wit... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to tabulate reaction selectivity versus reactor temperature? | Solution: Attached is an example of tabulating reaction selectivity versus reactor temperature using Sensitivity. See file Sensitivity.bkp.
Sensitivity analysis is a tool for determining how a process reacts to varying key operating and design variables. You can use it to vary one or more flowsheet variables and stud... |
Problem Statement: What is the BOBYQA Solver? | Solution: The BOBYQA solver is available for solving constrained optimization problems without tear streams. This solver provides better robustness than the other optimization solvers in problems with noisy derivatives.
From the help:
You can use the BOBYQA (Bound Optimization BY Quadratic Approximation) method for fl... |
Problem Statement: On a system Running Infoplus.21 you see high CPU usage which may cause Windows or Aspen products to run slow or freeze. In the Windows Task Manager and Performance tab you can see high CPU usage and in the Processes tab you will see CMON.EXE with high CPU usage. | Solution: The high CPU Usage is caused by the Compliance.21 CMON.exe running as External Task in the Infoplus.21 manager. To resolve this issue will depend on your configuration;
1. If you do not use Compliance.21 but wish to keep the External task then turn off the 'Auto Restart' feature and check 'Skip during star... |
Problem Statement: How can I include in my model an isotherm that is not included in Aspen Adsorption? | Solution: The users can select a “User Procedure” or “User Submodel” if the isotherm required is not included in the software or for the case of components using different isotherms at different concentration/pressure regions, etc.
The custom isotherms can be added to the program by using flowsheet constraints written... |
Problem Statement: Aspen Plus does not generate distillation curves for a stream containing 3 pseudo-components. Why? | Solution: To generate a distillation curve, a stream must contain at least 4 pseudo-components of non-zero flow to generate distinctive data points at 0%, 5%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, 95%, 100%.
In the Control Panel, you will see the message:
* WARNING WHILE GENERATING REPORT FOR STREAM: IN (WHILE EVALUATING
... |
Problem Statement: Why you can select more units for some properties in property-set than in Stream Summary table? In addition, some units seem unreasonable. For example, H is enthalpy for a pure component, but you can select kJ/hr as the unit. | Solution: In lower versions of Aspen Plus (V8.8 and lower versions), some properties allowed two or more of mole-based, mass-based, and flow units, such as enthalpy in kJ/kmol, kJ/kg, and kJ/s. Starting in V9, these properties have all been separated into different properties with different names. That is, all property... |
Problem Statement: How can a stream be copied to other streams? | Solution: Attached is an example of a stream copied to other streams using a Transfer block. See file transfer-str.bkp.
It is possible to use a transfer block to copy the values of flowsheet variables from one part of the flowsheet to another. You can copy to any number of destinations:
Whole streams
Stream compositio... |
Problem Statement: Please provide information about the requirements for configuring cluster processing of Aspen PIMS. | Solution: Cluster processing allows the Aspen PIMS user to define multiple nodes to use multiple machines in parallel (each machine having multiple processors). The Aspen PIMS model must use PIMS-AO with XLP for this functionality. The user’s machine that is initiating the PIMS runs will be referred to as the Primary... |
Problem Statement: How to change column widths for all tables in Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM)? Is there any place to change it automatically for all columns, or one have to do that manually in each table? | Solution: User can modify column widths for table using registry settings.
To do that use the following steps:
In start type Regedit to open the Registry editor
Navigate to location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AspenTech\QuickTable\<version_number>\AttributeColWidths
Please note <version_number> is the same as user ca... |
Problem Statement: Knowledge article number 000045880, titled Equation-Oriented Simulation: Using Homotopy to Improve Convergence, describes when to include homotopy to improve convergence. As described in article 000045880, the option to include homotopy and configure its settings can be set via the Convergence/EO Co... | Solution: To include homotopy in the DMO and LSSQP solvers, use the command:
SOLVER HOMO_DMO to use Dynamic Multi-objective Optimization with homotopy
SOLVER HOMO_LSSQP to use Large-scale Sparse Successive Quadratic Programming algorithm with homotopy
Then, to set the homotopy parameters in the command line, use the co... |
Problem Statement: Error Failed to load the help contents when launching help using Aspen Properties Excel Calculator addins | Solution: ThisSolution article will show you how to resolve Aspen Properties Excel Calculator help loading issue.
Please follow below steps on the user machine:
1. Close Excel and all AspenTech applications.
2. Create and run a registry file using following command.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKE... |
Problem Statement: What is the difference between PROP-SETs SG and SGSTD? | Solution: There is no difference between SG and SGSTD. Both calculate the specific gravity at 60 F and 1 atm. The calculation uses component specific SG values from the databank and averages them. This data that was intended for petroleum applications using API methods.
Keywords: None
References: : CQ00607983, CQ005635... |
Problem Statement: How can a flowsheet be optimized using sequential modular mode? | Solution: Attached is an example of how to optimize the product flow for a simple flowsheet.
See file Optnh3.bkp.
For more information see the Aspen Plus Help topic Simulation and Analysis Tools -> Sequential Modular Flowsheeting Tools -> Optimization.
In this example, Optimization is used to find the maximum product ... |
Problem Statement: Why do Data Regression (DRS) Evaluation results differ from Property Analysis results? | Solution: The Evaluation option in DRS is a convenient way to get a feel for how good the model parameters are compared to a set of data. If you have several sets of data, or different models, it can provide an easy way to make comparison. However sometimes the results from an Evaluation can be different from those of ... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to access an entire stream vector? | Solution: Attached is an example of Accessing a Stream Vector. See file Stream-vec.bkp
You can use the vector variable types to access an entire block profile, stream or substream at once. Aspen Plus interprets the variable you assign to the vector as an array variable. You do not need to dimension it.
This table show... |
Problem Statement: Exported Aspen SQLplus query results can be directly imported in Excel spreadsheets. This | Solution: provides examples of queries that create CSV files that can be opened by Microsoft Excel.Solution 142709 describes several techniques you can use to create CSV files.
Solution
As a basic example, the following query lists all tags within an Aspen InfoPlus.21 database to a CSV which can be opened by Excel:
SE... |
Problem Statement: After installing the Aspen Simulation Workbook, the ASW toolbar icons do not appear in Excel 2003 and the Aspen menu does not appear in the Excel 2003 menu structure. | Solution: If only the toolbar icons do not appear, it is possible that they have not be selected to be displayed. To rectify this, select View | Toolbars from the In Excel main menu, and ensure that both icons in the ASW toolbar are selected.
When both the toolbar icons and Aspen menu item are missing, the toolbar ma... |
Problem Statement: What are the .his, .for, .appdf, and .ads files that get saved when one saves an apw file? | Solution: These files are complementary to the .apw file and are automatically saved when you save an apw file.
The .his file is an ASCII file that stores the run history including all the run time messages rolled out on the control panel since your last reinitialization. After you load your apw file back in Aspen Plus... |
Problem Statement: Where is the Comments button in newer versions of Aspen Plus? | Solution: In order to make Comments more visible, they are now added on the Comments or Information tab of a form. All forms (blocks, streams, design specs, sensitivity, property parameters, etc.) have a Comments sheet. The Comments tab will have a check if comments have been added. Comments from files created in earli... |
Problem Statement: Why do Evalulation results depend on the objective function? | Solution: If TPXY data is entered and two evaluation runs are performed: one with the maximum likelihood, the other with the ordinary least squares, the results are different.
The difference is that the least square objective function will fix the x for TPXY data and x is not part of the objective function whereas the ... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to accessing the entire temperature profile of a RadFrac column? | Solution: Attached is an example of accessing the entire temperature profile of a RadFrac column.
You can use the vector variable types to access an entire block profile, stream or substream at once. Aspen Plus interprets the variable you assign to the vector as an array variable. You do not need to dimension it.
Thi... |
Problem Statement: What is Carbon\Sulphur\Nitrogen Index (CI\SI\NI) and Oxygen Demand (OD) in the Fuel Model? What is the calculation formula for these? | Solution: CI, SI, NI index of the fuel are used to calculate the total CO2, SOX and NOX emissions in the emission blocks.
Carbon index (CI) is calculated as mass CO2 generated by burning the fuel per mass of fuel.
Similar:
Sulphur Index (SI) is the SO2+ SO3 (SOx) mass generated per mass of fuel, and
Nitrogen index (N... |
Problem Statement: How do I transfer an Aspen Economic Evaluation template from one computer to another? | Solution: Template files in the Aspen Economic Evaluation suite allow users to configure their own Project Basis to use in multiple projects.
If any user wishes to share this file with another user or migrate into a new PC, it is necessary to perform a manual Copy/Paste process of the files from the first machine to t... |
Problem Statement: ABML_MTM_RON calculation method is used for blending RON property in a model. However, sometimes it seems to be calculating an incorrect RON for the stream, even when it blends into an empty tank. | Solution: In the case that MON is zero or any other bad value, it could cause erroneous RON calculations through this ABML method. This could also occur if the MON is greater than the RON.
In general for MTM ABML to work as expected, APS assumes RON>=MON. There is a new error handling code for the case of RON<MON that ... |
Problem Statement: Why Should I use the Aspen Properties Enterprise Database Instead of the Legacy Databanks? | Solution: The Aspen Properties Enterprise Database (APED) is a framework for creating relational databases that can be used with Aspen Plus, Aspen Properties and other products that make use of Aspen Properties. The databases are created using SQL Server, therefore, SQL Server engine, such as SQLExpress must be availab... |
Problem Statement: How do I collect a crash dump for aspenONE Engineering Products? | Solution: One of the aspenONE Engineering suite product crashes for no reason and to understand the root cause AspenTech Support has requested an application crash dump.
The following procedure describes how a .dmp file can be created and sent to the AspenTech support team so that the software developers can identify t... |
Problem Statement: This article discusses how to publish graphics into AspenONE Process Explorer using Aspen Process Graphics Editor. | Solution: After graphics are created in Aspen Process Graphics Editor, user can follow below steps to publish them onto AspenONE Process Explorer.
1, Click on 'Tools - Options' in Aspen Process Graphics Editor toolbar, confirm the publish path (The default folder is 'Public' folder.)
2, Click 'File - Publish to aspen... |
Problem Statement: When using Simulation Links in MS Excel interface, some blocks names are displayed as Blocks(“AUP_Block_name”). How can this issue be avoided? | Solution: This is by design that when using Simulation Links in MS Excel for blocks which names start from the number (for example 01T, 23GT) additional Blocks phrase is added in the beginning of the name.
Then in the Simulation Links user can see for example names: Blocks(“01T”), Blocks(“23GT”), etc.
Even when names ... |
Problem Statement: If I wanted to produce a phase diagram in Aspen Plus with solid, liquid and gas (i.e., a P-T diagram showing the sublimation, the melting and the vapor pressure curves), how would I do it? | Solution: This is possible using Property Analysis; however, the properties must be very accurate and may need to be tuned. ThisSolution will demonstrate how to create the plot for two different components, CO2 and N-Butane, using CO2 as the main example. The files for both CO2 and N-Butane are attached for reference.
... |
Problem Statement: Is it possible to modeling a SF6 and N2 system using Aspen Plus? | Solution: The purpose of this report is to show an example of modeling SF6 and N2 system, including property analysis and a simple process simulation using separator.
1. Compound parameters and property method
Parameter values of SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) and N2 (nitrogen) are retrieved from Aspen database (most of t... |
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