Part Number: Aspen Plus® 11.

1
September 2001
Copyright (c) 1981-2001 by Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

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This manual is intended as a guide to using AspenTech’s software. This documentation contains AspenTech
proprietary and confidential information and may not be disclosed, used, or copied without the prior consent of
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software and the application of the results obtained.

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Corporate
Aspen Technology, Inc.
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USA
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Division
Design, Simulation and Optimization Systems
Aspen Technology, Inc.
Ten Canal Park
Cambridge, MA 02141-2201
USA
Phone: (617) 949-1000
Fax: (617) 949-1030
Contents

The User Interface 1-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................1-1
Connecting to the Aspen Plus Host Computer .................................................................1-1
The Aspen Plus Main Window.........................................................................................1-3
Aspen Plus Toolbars.............................................................................................1-4
The Process Flowsheet Window.......................................................................................1-5
The Model Library............................................................................................................1-5
Selecting a Unit Operation Model from the Model Library.................................1-5
Selecting the Stream Type from the Model Library.............................................1-6
The Data Browser.............................................................................................................1-7
The Parts of the Data Browser..............................................................................1-8
Displaying Forms and Sheets in the Data Browser ..............................................1-8
Status Indicators ...................................................................................................1-9
Using Next..........................................................................................................1-10
Using the Previous and Next Sheet Buttons.......................................................1-11
Using the Go Back and Go Forward Buttons .....................................................1-11
Using the Object Manager..............................................................................................1-12
Deleting Objects and Clearing Forms ................................................................1-13
Using the Expert System When You Make Changes .....................................................1-13
Using Shortcut Keys.......................................................................................................1-14
General Shortcut Keys........................................................................................1-14
Shortcut Keys for Working with Blocks and Streams........................................1-14
Shortcut Keys for Editing ...................................................................................1-15
Shortcut Keys for Working with Files................................................................1-15
Shortcut Keys for Working with Flowsheets .....................................................1-15
Shortcut Keys for Help .......................................................................................1-15
Shortcut Keys for Plotting ..................................................................................1-16
Shortcut Keys for Working with Regions ..........................................................1-16
Shortcut Keys for Running Simulations.............................................................1-16
Shortcut Keys for Viewing .................................................................................1-17
Supplying Comments .....................................................................................................1-17

Creating a Simulation Model 2-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................2-1

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • iii

 Process Simulation Using Aspen Plus..............................................................................2-1
Creating a New Run .........................................................................................................2-2
Starting Aspen Plus and Creating a New Run......................................................2-2
Creating a New Run in Aspen Plus ......................................................................2-3
Selecting a Template ........................................................................................................2-3
About the Built-In Templates ...............................................................................2-3
Selecting a Run Type........................................................................................................2-4
Completing Input Specifications for a Run ......................................................................2-6
Completion Status for the Flowsheet....................................................................2-7
Completion Status on Forms ................................................................................2-7
About the Templates.........................................................................................................2-9
About the General Template.................................................................................2-9
About the Petroleum Template...........................................................................2-10
About the Gas Processing Template...................................................................2-13
About the Air Separation Template....................................................................2-14
About the Chemicals Template ..........................................................................2-15
About the Electrolytes Template ........................................................................2-16
About the Specialty Chemicals Template ..........................................................2-17
About the Pharmaceuticals Template .................................................................2-18
About the Hydrometallurgy Template................................................................2-19
About the Pyrometallurgy Template ..................................................................2-20
About the Solids Template .................................................................................2-20
Using the Online Applications Library ..........................................................................2-22
Accessing the Online Applications Library........................................................2-22
Creating an Equation Oriented Problem.........................................................................2-23

Using Aspen Plus Help 3-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................3-1
Getting Help .....................................................................................................................3-1
Using the Back Button..........................................................................................3-2
Searching for Help on a Topic..........................................................................................3-2
Displaying Help on Dialog Boxes, Forms and Sheets......................................................3-2
Displaying Help on Screen Elements ...............................................................................3-2
Getting Step by Step Help ................................................................................................3-3
Getting Reference Information.........................................................................................3-3
Getting Printed Information..............................................................................................3-3
Printing Help.........................................................................................................3-3
Getting Printed Documentation ............................................................................3-3
Linking to Aspen Tech Home Page..................................................................................3-4
Contacting Aspen Plus Technical Support .......................................................................3-4
Improving Help.................................................................................................................3-6

Defining the Flowsheet 4-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................4-1
Creating a Process Flowsheet ...........................................................................................4-1
Mouse Pointer Shapes ..........................................................................................4-2

iv • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Placing Blocks ......................................................................................................4-2
Placing Streams and Connecting Blocks ..............................................................4-4
Using Heat and Work Streams .........................................................................................4-7
Using PseudoProduct Streams..........................................................................................4-7
Viewing The Flowsheet....................................................................................................4-7
Adjusting the Zoom Level....................................................................................4-8
Using the Scrollbars..............................................................................................4-8
Using the Process Flowsheet Toolbar ..................................................................4-9
Using the Data Browser to Find Blocks in a Large Flowsheet ............................4-9
Using Bookmarks ...............................................................................................4-10
Using Pan............................................................................................................4-10
Checking Flowsheet Completeness ................................................................................4-10
Modifying the Flowsheet................................................................................................4-11
Changing Flowsheet Connectivity......................................................................4-11
Improving the Appearance of the Flowsheet......................................................4-13
About Flowsheet Sections ..............................................................................................4-20
Creating a Flowsheet Section .............................................................................4-20
Specifying the Current Section...........................................................................4-21
Using the Section Toolbar ..................................................................................4-21
Moving Blocks to a New Section .......................................................................4-21
Specifying the Stream Class for a Section..........................................................4-21
Viewing the Current Section ..............................................................................4-22
Printing a Flowsheet ...........................................................................................4-22

Global Information for Calculations 5-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................5-1
About Global Information ................................................................................................5-1
Entering Global Specifications.........................................................................................5-2
Global Sheet .........................................................................................................5-2
Description Sheet..................................................................................................5-5
Accounting Sheet..................................................................................................5-6
Diagnostic Sheet ...................................................................................................5-6
Setup Simulation Options.................................................................................................5-7
Calculations Sheet ................................................................................................5-7
Flash Convergence Sheet....................................................................................5-12
System Sheet.......................................................................................................5-13
Limits Sheet........................................................................................................5-13
Units of Measure ............................................................................................................5-13
Selecting Units of Measure.................................................................................5-14
Report Options................................................................................................................5-17
Customizing the Stream Report..........................................................................5-19

Specifying Components 6-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................6-1
Forms for Specifying Component Information ................................................................6-2
About Databanks ..............................................................................................................6-2

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • v

 Contents and Use of the Aspen Plus Databanks...................................................6-3
Specifying Components from a Databank........................................................................6-4
Specifying Non-Databank Components ...........................................................................6-7
Using the User-Defined Component Wizard........................................................6-8
Adding a Component......................................................................................................6-15
Inserting a Component........................................................................................6-15
Renaming a Component .................................................................................................6-16
Deleting a Component ....................................................................................................6-16
Reordering the Component List .....................................................................................6-16
Generating Electrolyte Components and Reactions .......................................................6-17
Generating the List of Components....................................................................6-17
Identifying Solid Components........................................................................................6-20
Conventional Solids............................................................................................6-20
Nonconventional Solids......................................................................................6-20
About Component Attributes .........................................................................................6-21
Assigning Attributes to Conventional Components ...........................................6-21
Assigning Attributes to Nonconventional Components .....................................6-22
Specifying Supercritical (HENRY) Components...........................................................6-22
Defining a Set of Henry’s Components ..............................................................6-23
Specifying UNIFAC Groups ..........................................................................................6-24
Defining Component Groups..........................................................................................6-25
Defining a Component Group ............................................................................6-25
Component Groups and Tear Stream Convergence ...........................................6-26

Physical Property Methods 7-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................7-1
What Is a Property Method?.............................................................................................7-1
Creating New Property Methods ......................................................................................7-2
Available Property Methods.............................................................................................7-2
Ideal Property Methods ........................................................................................7-2
Equation of State Property Methods.....................................................................7-3
Activity Coefficient Property Methods ................................................................7-3
Property Methods for Special Systems.................................................................7-5
Choosing a Property Method............................................................................................7-5
Recommended Property Methods for Different Applications..............................7-5
Guidelines for Choosing a Property Method......................................................7-10
Specifying the Global Property Method.............................................................7-11
Specifying a Property Method for a Flowsheet Section .....................................7-12
Specifying a Local Property Method..................................................................7-12
Defining Supercritical Components ...............................................................................7-13
Using Free Water Calculations.......................................................................................7-14
Specifying Properties for the Free-Water Phase.................................................7-15
Special Method for K-Value of Water in the Organic Phase .............................7-15
Specifying Electrolyte Calculations ...............................................................................7-16
Modifying Property Methods .........................................................................................7-17
Modifying a Built-in Property Method...............................................................7-17

vi • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Making Advanced Modifications to a Property Method ....................................7-18
Property Methods for Nonconventional Components ....................................................7-19
Nonconventional Property Models.....................................................................7-19
Specifying the Models for Nonconventional Components.................................7-20

Physical Property Parameters and Data 8-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................8-1
About Parameters and Data ..............................................................................................8-1
Determining Property Parameter Requirements...............................................................8-2
Parameter Requirements for Mass and Energy Balance Simulations ..................8-2
Parameter Requirements for Henry’s Law............................................................8-3
Parameter Requirements for Thermodynamic Reference State ...........................8-3
Retrieving Parameters from Databanks............................................................................8-4
Retrieving Pure Component Parameters...............................................................8-4
Retrieving Equation-of-State Binary Parameters .................................................8-5
Retrieving Activity Coefficient Binary Parameters..............................................8-6
Retrieving Henry’s Law Constants .......................................................................8-7
Retrieving Electrolyte Binary and Pair Parameters..............................................8-7
Entering Property Parameters...........................................................................................8-7
Forms for Entering Property Parameters ..............................................................8-8
How to Enter Property Parameters .......................................................................8-8
Entering Pure Component Constants....................................................................8-9
Entering Pure Component Correlation Parameters ............................................8-10
Entering Parameters for Nonconventional Components ....................................8-11
Entering Scalar Binary Parameters.....................................................................8-12
Entering Temperature-Dependent Binary Parameters........................................8-13
Entering Binary Parameters from DECHEMA ..................................................8-14
Estimating Binary Parameters for Activity Coefficient Models ........................8-16
Entering Electrolyte Pair Parameters..................................................................8-16
Entering Ternary Parameters ..............................................................................8-17
Using Tabular Data and Polynomial Coefficients..........................................................8-20
Tabpoly Properties..............................................................................................8-20
How Aspen Plus Uses Your Tabular Data and Polynomial Coefficients...........8-21
Entering Tabular Data ........................................................................................8-22
Entering Polynomial Coefficients for the General Polynomial Model ..............8-24
Adjusting Reference States for Tabular Data and Polynomials .........................8-24
Adjusting Tabular Data or Polynomials for the Effect of Pressure....................8-26
Using Property Data Packages .......................................................................................8-27
Using a Data Package .........................................................................................8-27
Ammonia-Water Data Package ..........................................................................8-27
Ethylene Data Package .......................................................................................8-27
Using Electrolyte Amines Data Packages ..........................................................8-28
Flue Gas Treatment Data Package......................................................................8-29
Formaldehyde-Methanol-Water Data Package ..................................................8-29
Glycol Dehydration Data Package .....................................................................8-30
Pitzer Data Packages ..........................................................................................8-30

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • vii

 Methyl-amine Data Package...............................................................................8-31
Using Other Electrolyte Data Packages..............................................................8-31

Specifying Streams 9-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................9-1
Specifying Material Streams ............................................................................................9-2
Entering Specifications for Streams .....................................................................9-2
Possible Stream Thermodynamic Condition Specifications ................................9-3
Mass-Balance-Only Calculations .....................................................................................9-3
Entering Stream Composition ..........................................................................................9-4
Using Standard Liquid Volume............................................................................9-4
Specifying Particle Size Distribution ...............................................................................9-6
Specifying Component Attribute Values..........................................................................9-6
About Stream Property Analysis ......................................................................................9-8
Stream Analysis Types .........................................................................................9-8
Analyzing Stream Properties ............................................................................................9-9
Generating PT-Envelopes...............................................................................................9-12
Creating a PT-Envelope from a Stream..............................................................9-12
About Stream Classes.....................................................................................................9-15
Using Stream Classes .....................................................................................................9-15
Using Predefined Stream Classes .......................................................................9-16
Creating or Modifying Stream Classes...............................................................9-16
Specifying a Global Stream Class ......................................................................9-17
Specifying Stream Classes for Flowsheet Sections............................................9-18
Specifying Stream Classes for Individual Streams.............................................9-18
Defining New Substreams ..............................................................................................9-19
About Particle Size Distributions ...................................................................................9-19
Changing Particle Size Distribution Intervals ....................................................9-20
Creating New Particle Size Distributions...........................................................9-20
Specifying Heat Streams ................................................................................................9-21
Working with Load Streams...........................................................................................9-21
Specifying Work Streams...............................................................................................9-22
Using PseudoProduct Streams........................................................................................9-24
About Stream Libraries ..................................................................................................9-24
Accessing Stream Libraries ................................................................................9-25

Unit Operation Models 10-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................10-1
Choosing the Right Unit Operation Model.....................................................................10-1
Mixers and Splitters........................................................................................................10-3
Mixer ..................................................................................................................10-3
FSplit ..................................................................................................................10-3
SSplit ..................................................................................................................10-3
Separators .......................................................................................................................10-4
Flash2..................................................................................................................10-4
Flash3..................................................................................................................10-5

viii • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Decanter..............................................................................................................10-5
Sep ......................................................................................................................10-5
Sep2 ....................................................................................................................10-5
Heat Exchangers .............................................................................................................10-6
Heater..................................................................................................................10-6
HeatX..................................................................................................................10-6
MHeatX ............................................................................................................10-10
HxFlux..............................................................................................................10-10
Hetran ...............................................................................................................10-10
Aerotran ............................................................................................................10-11
HTRI-Xist.........................................................................................................10-11
Columns........................................................................................................................10-12
DSTWU............................................................................................................10-12
Distl ..................................................................................................................10-13
SCFrac ..............................................................................................................10-13
RadFrac.............................................................................................................10-13
MultiFrac ..........................................................................................................10-17
PetroFrac...........................................................................................................10-18
RateFrac............................................................................................................10-21
Batch Distillation - BatchFrac ..........................................................................10-22
Extract...............................................................................................................10-22
Reactors ........................................................................................................................10-23
RStoic ...............................................................................................................10-23
RYield...............................................................................................................10-23
REquil...............................................................................................................10-23
RGibbs ..............................................................................................................10-24
RCSTR .............................................................................................................10-24
RPlug ................................................................................................................10-24
RBatch ..............................................................................................................10-25
Pressure Changers.........................................................................................................10-25
Pump.................................................................................................................10-25
Compr ...............................................................................................................10-25
MCompr ...........................................................................................................10-25
Pipeline .............................................................................................................10-26
Pipe ...................................................................................................................10-26
Valve.................................................................................................................10-26
Manipulators.................................................................................................................10-26
Mult ..................................................................................................................10-26
Dupl ..................................................................................................................10-26
ClChng..............................................................................................................10-26
Analyzer............................................................................................................10-26
Feedbl ...............................................................................................................10-27
Selector .............................................................................................................10-27
Measurement ....................................................................................................10-27
Solids ............................................................................................................................10-27
Crystallizer........................................................................................................10-27

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • ix

 Crusher..............................................................................................................10-28
Screen ...............................................................................................................10-28
FabFl.................................................................................................................10-28
Cyclone.............................................................................................................10-28
VScrub ..............................................................................................................10-28
ESP ...................................................................................................................10-28
HyCyc...............................................................................................................10-29
CFuge................................................................................................................10-29
Filter..................................................................................................................10-29
SWash...............................................................................................................10-29
CCD..................................................................................................................10-29
User Models..................................................................................................................10-29
Fortran and Excel Unit Operation Models .......................................................10-30
CAPE-OPEN COM Unit Operation Models ....................................................10-30
Aspen Modeler Flowsheets ..............................................................................10-31
User3.................................................................................................................10-34
Hierarchy ......................................................................................................................10-34
Specifying Unit Operation Models...............................................................................10-34
Overriding Global Specifications for a Block ..............................................................10-35
Requesting Heating/Cooling Curve Calculations.........................................................10-36
How to Request Heating/Cooling Curves ........................................................10-36

Running Your Simulation 11-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................11-1
Running the Simulation Interactively.............................................................................11-2
Commands for Controlling Simulations.............................................................11-3
Changing Interactive Simulation Speed .............................................................11-4
Reinitializing SM Simulation Calculations ........................................................11-4
Reinitializing EO Simulation Calculations ........................................................11-5
Viewing the Status of the Simulation.................................................................11-6
Checking the Status of Calculations...................................................................11-7
Checking the Simulation History .......................................................................11-7
Running the Simulation on the Aspen Plus Host Computer ..........................................11-8
Communicating with a Remote Aspen Plus Host Computer .............................11-9
Running a Simulation Batch (Background)....................................................................11-9
Starting a Batch Run...........................................................................................11-9
Checking the Status of a Batch Run ...................................................................11-9
Running Aspen Plus Standalone...................................................................................11-10
Editing the Input File for Standalone Runs ......................................................11-10
Changing Run Settings and User Databanks................................................................11-12
Interactively Load Results ................................................................................11-13
Animate Flowsheet ...........................................................................................11-13
Allow Run Only When Input is Complete .......................................................11-13
Edit Keyword Input Data Before Starting Calculations ...................................11-13
Copy Data Regression and Property Constant Estimation Results onto Property
Parameter Forms...............................................................................................11-13

x • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Activating and Deactivating Blocks .............................................................................11-14
Running an EO Simulation...........................................................................................11-15

Examining Results and Generating Reports 12-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................12-1
Viewing Simulation Results Interactively......................................................................12-1
Viewing Results of an EO Simulation............................................................................12-2
Viewing Current Simulation Results..................................................................12-2
Checking the Completion Status of a Run......................................................................12-3
Checking Completion Status in the Control Panel .............................................12-4
Checking Completion Status in the History File ................................................12-4
Checking the Convergence Status of a Run ...................................................................12-5
Displaying Stream Results..............................................................................................12-6
Removing Streams from Flowsheets..................................................................12-6
Displaying Stream Results from Sheets .............................................................12-7
Formatting Stream Results .................................................................................12-7
Displaying Heat and Work Stream Results ........................................................12-8
Displaying EO Variable Results.........................................................................12-8
Generating an Aspen Plus Report File ...........................................................................12-8
Exporting a Report File ......................................................................................12-9
Viewing a Section of the Report.......................................................................12-10

Working with Plots 13-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................13-1
About Plots .....................................................................................................................13-1
Step 1: Displaying the Data ............................................................................................13-2
Step 2: Generating a Plot ................................................................................................13-2
Using the Plot Wizard ........................................................................................13-2
Generating a Plot by Selecting Variables ...........................................................13-6
Step 3: Customizing the Appearance of a Plot ...............................................................13-7
Adding and Modifying Annotation Text ............................................................13-7
Changing Plot Properties ....................................................................................13-8
Working with Plots.......................................................................................................13-13
Updating Plots When Results Change..............................................................13-13
Adding Data to Plots ........................................................................................13-13
Comparing Runs Using Plots ...........................................................................13-14
Deleting Data Points and Curves from Plots ....................................................13-14
Displaying a Different Range of Data on a Plot...............................................13-15
Changing Plot Defaults.....................................................................................13-15
Printing a Plot ...................................................................................................13-16

Annotating Process Flowsheets 14-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................14-1
Adding Annotations........................................................................................................14-2
Adding Stream Tables ........................................................................................14-2
Adding Graphics Objects....................................................................................14-3

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xi

 Adding Text Objects...........................................................................................14-4
About Global Data..........................................................................................................14-5
Displaying Global Data ......................................................................................14-6
About PFD Mode............................................................................................................14-6
Using PFD Mode to Change Flowsheet Connectivity........................................14-6
Creating a Process Flow Diagram ......................................................................14-8
Grouping Objects............................................................................................................14-8
Creating Temporary Groups...............................................................................14-9
Creating Permanent Groups..............................................................................14-10
Aligning Objects in Flowsheets........................................................................14-10
Attaching Objects to the Flowsheet..................................................................14-11
Printing .........................................................................................................................14-12
Using Page Setup..............................................................................................14-12
Printing a Flowsheet .........................................................................................14-13
Printing a Section of Flowsheet........................................................................14-13
Printing Large Flowsheets ................................................................................14-14

Managing Your Files 15-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................15-1
File Formats in Aspen Plus.............................................................................................15-2
Document Files (*.apw) .....................................................................................15-2
Backup Files (*.bkp)...........................................................................................15-3
Template Files (*.apt).........................................................................................15-6
Input Files (*.inp) ...............................................................................................15-7
Report Files (*.rep).............................................................................................15-8
Summary Files (*.sum).......................................................................................15-8
Run Messages Files (*.cpm)...............................................................................15-9
History Files (*.his) ............................................................................................15-9
Opening Aspen Plus Files.............................................................................................15-10
Types of Files You Can Open ..........................................................................15-10
Using the Favorites List....................................................................................15-11
Saving a Run.................................................................................................................15-11
Exporting Aspen Plus Files ..........................................................................................15-11
Types of Files You Can Export ........................................................................15-12
Importing Aspen Plus Files ..........................................................................................15-12
Types of Files You Can Import ........................................................................15-13
Deciding How to Store a Simulation Problem Definition............................................15-13
Managing Files in a Client-Server Environment..........................................................15-13
Specifying the Working Directory on the Host Computer ...............................15-14
Saving Files ......................................................................................................15-14
View History.....................................................................................................15-14
Converting Pro/II Input Keyword Files........................................................................15-15

Customizing Your Aspen Plus Environment 16-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................16-1
Choosing Settings for the Current Run...........................................................................16-2

xii • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Customizing Settings for All Runs.................................................................................16-2
Choosing View Options......................................................................................16-3
Using Toolbars ...................................................................................................16-4
Specifying Default Options ............................................................................................16-5
Using the General Tab........................................................................................16-6
Using the Component Data Tab .........................................................................16-8
Using the Results View Tab .............................................................................16-11
Using the Flowsheet Tab ..................................................................................16-13
Using the Grid/Scale Tab .................................................................................16-14
Using the Plots Tab...........................................................................................16-14
Using the Run Tab............................................................................................16-15
Using the Startup Tab .......................................................................................16-16
Using the Styles Tab.........................................................................................16-16
Using the Online Tab........................................................................................16-17
Using the Upward Compatibility Tab ..............................................................16-17
Using the Window Menu..............................................................................................16-17
Using Workbook Mode ....................................................................................16-17
Customizing Application Template Files .....................................................................16-18
About User Model Libraries.........................................................................................16-19
Creating and Manipulating User Libraries .......................................................16-19
Adding Models to User Model Libraries..........................................................16-20
Changing Icons for Models in User Libraries ..................................................16-25

Convergence 17-1
Overview ........................................................................................................................17-1
SM Convergence ............................................................................................................17-1
Flowsheet Recycles and Design Specifications..............................................................17-2
Convergence Options .....................................................................................................17-3
Specifying Tear Convergence Parameters..........................................................17-3
Specifying Default Methods...............................................................................17-5
Specifying Sequencing Parameters ....................................................................17-5
Specifying Convergence Method Parameters.....................................................17-6
Specifying Tear Streams.................................................................................................17-7
Initial Estimates for Tear Streams ......................................................................17-8
Specifying User-Defined Convergence Blocks..............................................................17-8
Convergence Methods ....................................................................................................17-9
WEGSTEIN Method ..........................................................................................17-9
DIRECT Method ..............................................................................................17-11
Secant Method ..................................................................................................17-11
BROYDEN Method .........................................................................................17-12
NEWTON Method ...........................................................................................17-13
COMPLEX Method..........................................................................................17-14
SQP Method .....................................................................................................17-14
Specifying Convergence Order ....................................................................................17-16
Specifying the Calculation Sequence ...........................................................................17-16
Using Initial Guesses ....................................................................................................17-18

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xiii

 Flowsheet Sequencing ..................................................................................................17-18
Obtaining Final Convergence Sequence...........................................................17-19
Adding Special Options to the Sequence .........................................................17-20
Viewing the Sequence ......................................................................................17-20
Checking Convergence Results ....................................................................................17-23
Control Panel Messages................................................................................................17-24
Strategies for Flowsheet Convergence .........................................................................17-26
Calculator Block Convergence Suggestions.....................................................17-30
Resolving Sequence and Convergence Problems.............................................17-30
EO Convergence...........................................................................................................17-35
Specifying EO Convergence Options...........................................................................17-36
About the DMO Solver.................................................................................................17-37
Changing DMO Solver Parameters ..............................................................................17-39
Using Creep Mode............................................................................................17-40
Viewing Iteration Summary Information .........................................................17-40
Specifying Active Set Initialization Parameters...............................................17-42
Using Micro-Infeasibility Handling .................................................................17-42
Applying a Trust Region ..................................................................................17-43
Viewing DMO Solver Report Information...................................................................17-44
Problem Information.........................................................................................17-45
Basic Iteration Information...............................................................................17-45
Largest Unscaled Residuals..............................................................................17-45
Constrained Variables and Shadow Price.........................................................17-46
General Iteration Information...........................................................................17-47
Nonlinearity Ratios...........................................................................................17-48
Guidelines for Using the DMO Solver .........................................................................17-49
Scaling ..............................................................................................................17-49
Handling Infeasible Solutions ..........................................................................17-50
Handling Singularities ......................................................................................17-51
Variable Bounding............................................................................................17-52
Run-Time Intervention .....................................................................................17-52
About the LSSQP Solver..............................................................................................17-53
Changing LSSQP Solver Parameters ...........................................................................17-54
Viewing Iteration Summary Information .........................................................17-56
Viewing LSSQP Solver Report Information ................................................................17-58
Basic Iteration Information...............................................................................17-59
Independent Variables ......................................................................................17-59
Constrained Variables.......................................................................................17-60
Largest Scaled Variable Changes .....................................................................17-61
Inactive Equations ............................................................................................17-61
Largest Scaled Residuals ..................................................................................17-61
Largest Block RMS Residuals..........................................................................17-62
Line Search Information...................................................................................17-62
Objective and Worst Merit Function Contributors...........................................17-63
Guidelines for Using the LSSQP Solver ......................................................................17-63
Scaling ..............................................................................................................17-63

xiv • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Handling Infeasible Solutions ..........................................................................17-65
Handling Singularities ......................................................................................17-65
Handling Infeasible QPs...................................................................................17-66
Variable Bounding............................................................................................17-66

Accessing Flowsheet Variables 18-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................18-1
Accessing SM Variables.................................................................................................18-1
Accessing Flowsheet Variables ......................................................................................18-2
Types of Accessed Flowsheet Variables ........................................................................18-2
Block Variables ..................................................................................................18-3
Stream Variables.................................................................................................18-3
Other Variables...................................................................................................18-4
Property Parameters............................................................................................18-4
Variable Definition Dialog Box .....................................................................................18-4
Choosing Input or Results Variables ..............................................................................18-6
Guidelines for Choosing Input or Results Variables ..........................................18-7
Using Parameter Variables .............................................................................................18-7
Accessing Vectors ........................................................................................................18-11
Accessing Stream and Substream Vectors ...................................................................18-11
Substream MIXED and Stream Class CONVEN.............................................18-12
Substream CISOLID.........................................................................................18-14
Substream NC...................................................................................................18-14
Component Attributes and PSD .......................................................................18-15
Accessing Block Vectors..............................................................................................18-16
Variables Dependent on Stage Number or Segment Number ..........................18-17
Variables Dependent on Section Number ........................................................18-18
Variables Dependent on Operation Step Number ............................................18-19
Variables Dependent on Component Number..................................................18-19
Variables Dependent on Component Number and Stage or Segment Number18-19
Variables Dependent on Stage Number and Section Number..........................18-21
Variables Dependent on Stage Number and Operation Step Number..............18-22
Variables Dependent on Component Number, Stage Number, and Stripper
Number .............................................................................................................18-22
Variables Dependent on Component Number, Stage Number, and Operation Step
Number .............................................................................................................18-23
Variables Dependent on Component Number, Accumulator Number, and
Operation Step Number ....................................................................................18-23
MHeatX Profiles...............................................................................................18-24
Reactor Profiles ................................................................................................18-24
Accessing Property Parameter Vectors ........................................................................18-25
EO Variables.................................................................................................................18-28
EO Variable Naming Conventions ...............................................................................18-29
Mole Fraction-Based Models ...........................................................................18-29
Equations ..........................................................................................................18-29
Mole Fraction Streams......................................................................................18-30

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xv

 EO Variable Attributes .................................................................................................18-31
Variable Bounds ...............................................................................................18-32
Accessing EO Variables ...............................................................................................18-34
Synchronizing the Model..............................................................................................18-35
Using the EO Variables Form ......................................................................................18-35
Sorting the Variables List .................................................................................18-36
Customizing the Variables List Display...........................................................18-36
Using the EO Variables Dialog Box ............................................................................18-38
Customizing the EO Variables Display............................................................18-38
Using the Query Dialog Box ........................................................................................18-39
EO Aliases ....................................................................................................................18-40
EO Ports........................................................................................................................18-40
Creating a Port ..................................................................................................18-41

Calculator Blocks and In-Line Fortran 19-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................19-1
About Calculator Blocks ................................................................................................19-1
Using Fortran in Aspen Plus...........................................................................................19-2
Using Fortran in Calculator Blocks ................................................................................19-3
Creating a Calculator Block Using Fortran ........................................................19-3
Using Excel in Calculator Blocks...................................................................................19-3
Creating a Calculator Block Using Excel...........................................................19-4
Identifying Flowsheet Variables.....................................................................................19-4
Specifying Calculations..................................................................................................19-6
Entering Fortran Statements and Declarations ...................................................19-6
Entering Excel Formulas ....................................................................................19-7
Specifying When the Calculator Block is Executed.......................................................19-7
Import and Export Variables ..............................................................................19-8
Converging Loops Introduced by Calculator Blocks .....................................................19-8
Specifying Export Variables as Tear Variables..................................................19-9
Rules for In-Line Fortran Statements ...........................................................................19-12
Disabling Syntax Checking ..............................................................................19-12
Writing to the Screen and Aspen Plus Files .................................................................19-13
Interactive Read Statements .........................................................................................19-13
Retaining Variables Between Iterations and Blocks ....................................................19-14
About the Interpreter ....................................................................................................19-15
About External Fortran Subroutines.............................................................................19-16
EO Usage Notes for Calculator ....................................................................................19-17

Sensitivity 20-1
Overview ........................................................................................................................20-1
About Sensitivity Analysis .............................................................................................20-1
SM Sensitivity ................................................................................................................20-2
About Sensitivity Blocks ....................................................................................20-2
Defining a Sensitivity Block...........................................................................................20-3
Creating a Sensitivity Block ...............................................................................20-3

xvi • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Identifying the Sampled Flowsheet Variables....................................................20-3
Identifying Manipulated Flowsheet Variables ...................................................20-4
Defining Tabulated Variables.............................................................................20-5
Reinitializing Blocks and Streams......................................................................20-5
Entering Optional Fortran Statements ................................................................20-6
Fortran Declarations .......................................................................................................20-6
EO Sensitivity...............................................................................................................20-11
Creating an EO Sensitivity Object....................................................................20-11
Calculating EO Sensitivity and Viewing Results .............................................20-13

Design Specifications: Feedback Control 21-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................21-1
SM Design Specs............................................................................................................21-1
About Design Specifications ..........................................................................................21-1
Defining a Design Specification.....................................................................................21-3
Creating a Design Specification .........................................................................21-3
Identifying Sampled Flowsheet Variables..........................................................21-3
Entering the Design Specification ......................................................................21-4
Identifying the Manipulated Variable.................................................................21-5
Entering Optional Fortran Statements ................................................................21-5
Using the Fortran Sheet ......................................................................................21-6
Troubleshooting Design Specifications..........................................................................21-6
EO Spec Groups ...........................................................................................................21-15
Choosing Variables for a Spec Group ..............................................................21-16
Creating a Spec Group......................................................................................21-17

EO Run Modes 22-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................22-1
The Four Equation-Oriented (EO) Run Modes ..............................................................22-2
EO Simulation Run Mode ..................................................................................22-2
EO Optimization Run Mode...............................................................................22-3
EO Parameter Estimation Run Mode .................................................................22-3
EO Reconciliation Run Mode.............................................................................22-3
Fixed, Free, and DOF Variables.....................................................................................22-3
Net Specification ............................................................................................................22-4
EO Variable Specifications ............................................................................................22-6
EO Objective Functions..................................................................................................22-6
Defining an EO Objective Function ...................................................................22-7
Setting an EO Objective Function for a Run......................................................22-8
Selecting Degree-of-Freedom Variables ........................................................................22-8
Other EO Variable Attributes .........................................................................................22-9
Parameter Estimation Versus Reconciliation ...............................................................22-10
Measurements...............................................................................................................22-10
Configuring Specifications for Measurements .............................................................22-12
Measurements that Pass Information to the Model ......................................................22-13
Sending a Constant Value to the Model ...........................................................22-13

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xvii

 Setting the Initial Value of an Optimized Variable ..........................................22-13
Setting the Initial Value of a Reconciled Variable ...........................................22-14
Setting the Initial Value of an Independent Variable .......................................22-14
Measurements that Report Information from the Model..............................................22-14
Measurements that Pass Information Differently in Different Modes .........................22-15
Measurements on Measured Variables.............................................................22-15
Measurements on Parameterized Variables......................................................22-15
EO Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................22-15
EO Troubleshooting: Case 1.............................................................................22-16
EO Troubleshooting: Case 2.............................................................................22-16

Optimization and Data-Fit 23-1

Optimization Overview ..................................................................................................23-1
About Optimization ........................................................................................................23-1
Convergence of Optimization Problems ............................................................23-2
Recommended Procedure for Optimization ...................................................................23-2
Defining an Optimization Problem ................................................................................23-3
Creating an Optimization Problem .....................................................................23-3
Identifying Sampled Flowsheet Variables..........................................................23-3
Entering the Objective Function.........................................................................23-4
Identifying the Manipulated Variable.................................................................23-5
About Constraints ...........................................................................................................23-5
Defining Constraints...........................................................................................23-6
Creating Constraints ...........................................................................................23-6
Identifying Sampled Flowsheet Variables for Constraints.................................23-6
Specifying the Constraint Expression ................................................................23-7
Entering Optional Fortran Statements ............................................................................23-8
Using the Fortran Sheet ......................................................................................23-8
Fortran Declarations .......................................................................................................23-8
Convergence of Optimization Problems ........................................................................23-9
COMPLEX Method............................................................................................23-9
Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) Method ...........................................23-9
Troubleshooting Optimization Problems .....................................................................23-10
Data-Fit Overview ........................................................................................................23-23
Types of Data-Fit Applications ....................................................................................23-23
Defining a Data-Fit Problem ........................................................................................23-24
Creating Point-Data Data Sets......................................................................................23-24
Identifying Flowsheet Variables.......................................................................23-25
Entering the Measured Point-Data ...................................................................23-27
Creating Profile-Data Sets ............................................................................................23-28
Identifying Profile Variables ............................................................................23-28
Entering the Measured Profile-Data .................................................................23-29
Defining Data-Fit Regression Cases.............................................................................23-30
Creating Data-Fit Regression Cases .................................................................23-30
Convergence Parameters ..................................................................................23-31
Advanced Parameters .......................................................................................23-32

xviii • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Data-Fit Numerical Formulation ..................................................................................23-32
Ensuring Well-Formulated Data-Fit Problems.............................................................23-33
Example of a Well-Formulated Data-Fit Problem ...........................................23-34
Bound Factor ....................................................................................................23-35
Estimating Unmeasured Variables ...................................................................23-35
Sequencing Data-Fit .....................................................................................................23-35
Using Data-Fit Results .................................................................................................23-36
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................23-37

Transferring Information Between Streams or Blocks 24-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................24-1
Transfer Blocks...............................................................................................................24-1
Defining a Transfer Block ..............................................................................................24-2
Creating a Transfer Block...............................................................................................24-2
Copying Flowsheet Variables.........................................................................................24-2
Copying Streams.................................................................................................24-3
Copying Stream Flow.........................................................................................24-3
Copying Substreams ...........................................................................................24-3
Copying Block or Stream Variables...................................................................24-3
Specifying Transfer Block Execution.............................................................................24-4
Entering Flash Specifications for Destination Streams ..................................................24-4
Types of Flash ....................................................................................................24-5
How to Enter Flash Specifications .....................................................................24-5
EO Usage Notes for Transfer .........................................................................................24-7
Equation Oriented Connection Equations ......................................................................24-8
Specifying Equation Oriented Connections .......................................................24-8
Bias and Scale Factors in Equation Oriented Connections ................................24-8
Effects of Equation Oriented Connections on Variable Specifications..............24-9

Balance Blocks 25-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................25-1
Defining a Balance Block...............................................................................................25-1
Creating a Balance Block ...............................................................................................25-2
Specifying Blocks and Streams for Balance Calculations..............................................25-3
Specifying and Updating Stream Variables....................................................................25-4
Convergence Parameters ................................................................................................25-4
Sequencing Balance Blocks............................................................................................25-5
Flash Specifications........................................................................................................25-5
Material and Energy Balance Equations ........................................................................25-5

Case Study 26-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................26-1
Using Case Study............................................................................................................26-1
Creating a Case Study.....................................................................................................26-2
Identifying Case Study Variables ...................................................................................26-2
Specifying Values for Case Study Variables..................................................................26-3

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xix

 Resetting Initial Values ......................................................................................26-3
Entering a Description ........................................................................................26-4
Specifying Report Options for Case Studies ..................................................................26-4

Specifying Reactions and Chemistry 27-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................27-1
About Reactions and Chemistry.....................................................................................27-1
Reactions ............................................................................................................27-2
Chemistry............................................................................................................27-2
About Electrolytes Chemistry ........................................................................................27-2
Specifying Electrolytes Chemistry .................................................................................27-3
Defining Stoichiometry for Electrolytes Chemistry...........................................27-4
Defining Equilibrium Constants for Electrolytes Chemistry .............................27-5
Specifying Power Law Reactions for Reactors and Pressure Relief Systems................27-7
Equilibrium Reactions (for RCSTR only) ..........................................................27-8
Rate-Controlled Reactions................................................................................27-10
Reactions With Solids ..................................................................................................27-11
Stoichiometry and Reaction Rate .....................................................................27-12
Volume Basis for Concentrations.....................................................................27-12
Specifying LHHW Reactions for Reactors and Pressure Relief Systems ....................27-13
Equilibrium Reactions for LHHW (for RCSTR only) .....................................27-13
Rate-Controlled Reactions for LHHW .............................................................27-14
Specifying Reactions for Reactive Distillation ............................................................27-16
Equilibrium Reactions ......................................................................................27-17
Rate Controlled Reactions ................................................................................27-19
Fractional Conversion Reactions (for RadFrac only).......................................27-21
Salt Precipitation Reactions (for RadFrac only)...............................................27-22
Using a User-Kinetics Subroutine ................................................................................27-24

Property Sets 28-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................28-1
About Property Sets........................................................................................................28-1
Defining a Property Set ..................................................................................................28-2
Using the Search Dialog Box .............................................................................28-3
Specifying Phase Qualifiers................................................................................28-3
Specifying Temperature and Pressure Qualifiers ...............................................28-4
User-Defined Properties .................................................................................................28-5

Analyzing Properties 29-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................29-1
About Property Analysis ................................................................................................29-2
Generating Property Analyses Interactively...................................................................29-2
Pure Component Properties ................................................................................29-3
Properties for Binary Systems ............................................................................29-6
Residue Curves .................................................................................................29-14
Stream Properties..............................................................................................29-16

xx • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Generating Property Analyses Using Forms ................................................................29-20
Creating A Property Analysis Using Forms .....................................................29-21
Pure...................................................................................................................29-21
Binary ...............................................................................................................29-21
Generic..............................................................................................................29-22
Pressure-Temperature Envelopes .....................................................................29-27
Residue Curves .................................................................................................29-32
Property Methods Specifications for Property Analysis ..............................................29-33
Examining Property Analysis Results ..........................................................................29-33
Using Aspen Split.........................................................................................................29-33

Estimating Property Parameters 30-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................30-1
About Property Estimation .............................................................................................30-1
Property Estimation on a Standalone Basis........................................................30-2
Property Estimation in a Flowsheet, Property Analysis, PROPERTIES PLUS, or
Data Regression Run ..........................................................................................30-2
What Property Parameters Can Aspen Plus Estimate?...................................................30-2
Required Information for Parameter Estimation ............................................................30-6
Defining Molecular Structure Using the General Method .............................................30-6
Atoms Numbers and Types ................................................................................30-7
Defining Molecular Structure Using Method-Specific Functional Groups....................30-8
Identifying Parameters to be Estimated..........................................................................30-9
Estimating Pure Component Parameters ..........................................................30-11
Estimating Temperature-Dependent Properties................................................30-12
Estimating Binary Parameters ..........................................................................30-14
Estimating UNIFAC Group Parameters ...........................................................30-16
Using Experimental Data to Improve Estimated Parameters ...........................30-16
Comparing Estimated Parameters to Experimental Data .................................30-19
Examining Parameter Estimation Results ........................................................30-20
Using Estimated Parameters.........................................................................................30-21
Saving Estimation Results Automatically ........................................................30-21
Not Saving Estimation Results Automatically .................................................30-22

Regressing Property Data 31-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................31-1
Setting Up a Regression .................................................................................................31-2
Selecting a Property Method ..........................................................................................31-2
Entering Supplemental Parameters.................................................................................31-3
Fitting Pure Component Data .........................................................................................31-3
Entering Pure Component Data......................................................................................31-3
Fitting Phase Equilibrium and Mixture Data..................................................................31-4
Entering Phase Equilibrium and Mixture Data...............................................................31-4
Generating Binary VLE and LLE Data ..........................................................................31-8
Entering Standard Deviations of Measurements ............................................................31-9
Plotting Experimental Data ..........................................................................................31-10

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xxi

 Formulating a Regression Case ....................................................................................31-10
Specifying Parameters to be Regressed............................................................31-12
Thermodynamic Consistency Test for VLE Data ........................................................31-13
Evaluating the Accuracy of Known Model Parameters ...............................................31-14
Running the Regression................................................................................................31-14
Using Regression Results .............................................................................................31-15
Examining Regression Results .........................................................................31-15
Plotting Regression Results ..............................................................................31-16
Comparing Results from Several Cases ...........................................................31-18
Using Regression Results in a Flowsheet Run .................................................31-18
Retrieving Data From DETHERM and the Internet.........................................31-18

Petroleum Assays and Pseudocomponents 32-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................32-1
About ADA/PCS ............................................................................................................32-1
Using ADA/PCS.............................................................................................................32-2
Creating Assays ..............................................................................................................32-3
Defining an Assay Using the Components Specifications Selection Sheet .......32-3
Defining an Assay Using the Assay-Blend Object Manager .............................32-3
Entering Assay Data .......................................................................................................32-3
Entering a Distillation Curve and Bulk Gravity Value.......................................32-4
Entering a Gravity Curve....................................................................................32-4
Entering a Molecular Weight Curve...................................................................32-5
Entering Light-Ends Analysis ............................................................................32-5
Entering Petroleum Property Curves..................................................................32-5
Entering Viscosity Curves ..................................................................................32-6
Creating a Blend .............................................................................................................32-7
Defining a Blend Using the Components Specifications Selection Sheet..........32-7
Defining a Blend Using the Assay-Blend Object Manager................................32-7
Entering Blend Specifications ........................................................................................32-8
Specifying Assay Analysis Options ...............................................................................32-8
Modifying Petroleum Property Definitions..................................................................32-10
About Pseudocomponents ............................................................................................32-10
Entering Specifications for Generation of Pseudocomponents ....................................32-11
Defining Pseudocomponents and Entering Pseudocomponent Properties ...................32-13
Entering Basic Properties for Pseudocomponents............................................32-13
Entering Temperature-Dependent Properties for Pseudocomponents..............32-14
About Pseudocomponent Property Methods ................................................................32-14
Creating Pseudocomponent Property Methods ............................................................32-15
Defining a New Petroleum Property ............................................................................32-16
Examining ADA/PCS Results......................................................................................32-17
Examining ADA Results ..................................................................................32-17
Examining Pseudocomponent Property Results...............................................32-18

Pressure Relief Calculations 33-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................33-1

xxii • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 About Pressure Relief Calculations................................................................................33-1
Creating a Pressure Relief Block........................................................................33-2
About Pressure Relief Scenarios ....................................................................................33-3
Selecting a Pressure Relief Scenario ..............................................................................33-5
Specifying the Inlet Stream for Steady State Scenarios .....................................33-6
Specifying Initial Vessel Contents for Dynamic Scenarios................................33-8
Design Rules.................................................................................................................33-10
Specifying the Venting System ....................................................................................33-12
Specifying the Relief Device............................................................................33-13
Specifying the Vessel Neck..............................................................................33-15
Specifying the Inlet Pipe...................................................................................33-16
Specifying the Tail Pipe ...................................................................................33-18
Specifying Dynamic Input............................................................................................33-18
Specifying Reactive Systems for Dynamic Scenarios......................................33-22
Specifying When to Stop Dynamic Calculations .............................................33-23
Examining Results of Pressure Relief Calculations .....................................................33-24
Steady-State Results .........................................................................................33-25
Dynamic Results...............................................................................................33-26

Inserts 34-1
Overview ........................................................................................................................34-1
What is an Insert? ...........................................................................................................34-1
Creating an Insert................................................................................................34-2
Importing Inserts.................................................................................................34-2
Resolving ID Conflicts .......................................................................................34-3
Creating a Property Package...........................................................................................34-5
Using Electrolyte Inserts From the Aspen Plus Insert Library.......................................34-5
Hiding Objects................................................................................................................34-6
Revealing Objects...............................................................................................34-6

Creating Stream Libraries 35-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................35-1
Creating or Modifying a Stream Library........................................................................35-2
Running STRLIB Interactively ..........................................................................35-2
Running STRLIB in Batch Mode.......................................................................35-2
STRLIB Commands .......................................................................................................35-4
Example of Creating a Library with Two Cases ................................................35-7
Example of Creating a Library with One Case...................................................35-8

Stream Summary Formats 36-1

About Stream Summary Formats ...................................................................................36-1
About the Aspen Plus TFFs............................................................................................36-2
Creating a TFF................................................................................................................36-3
TFF File Format and Options .............................................................................36-3
Basic Stream Result Properties.......................................................................................36-7
Qualifier Descriptions for DISPLAY and PROP ...............................................36-9

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xxiii

 Option Descriptions for DISPLAY and PROP ................................................36-10
Header Sentence Order in the Stream Table ....................................................36-18
Formats for Numbers........................................................................................36-18
The NORMALIZE Option ...............................................................................36-19
PPM, PPB, and TRACE Options .....................................................................36-20

Working with Other Windows Programs 37-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................37-1
About Copying, Pasting, and OLE .................................................................................37-1
Copying and Pasting Simulation Data................................................................37-2
Copying and Pasting Plots and Other Images ..................................................37-10
Creating Active Links Between Aspen Plus and Other Windows Applications..........37-13
Creating Active Links Between an Aspen Plus Result and another Windows
Application .......................................................................................................37-13
Creating Active Links from a Windows Application to Aspen Plus Input Fields
..........................................................................................................................37-17
Saving and Opening Files with Active Links...............................................................37-18
Saving Files with Active Links ........................................................................37-19
Opening Files with Active Links......................................................................37-19
Using Embedded Objects in the Process Flowsheet Window......................................37-21
Embedding an Object Using Copy and Paste...................................................37-21
Embedding an Object Using the Insert Object Dialog Box..............................37-21
Modifying an Embedded Object.......................................................................37-22
Saving a Run With an Embedded Object .........................................................37-23

Using the Aspen Plus ActiveX Automation Server 38-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................38-1
About the Automation Server.........................................................................................38-2
Using the Automation Server .............................................................................38-2
Viewing the Properties and Methods of Aspen Plus Objects.........................................38-3
Objects Exposed by Aspen Plus .........................................................................38-3
The Aspen Plus Tree Structure...........................................................................38-5
Using the Variable Explorer to Navigate the Tree Structure..........................................38-5
Example of Using the Variable Explorer ...........................................................38-6
Navigating the Tree Structure in the Automation Interface ...........................................38-7
Example to Illustrate a Collection Object...........................................................38-8
Dot Notation for Navigating the Tree.................................................................38-9
Data Values.....................................................................................................................38-9
Example of Accessing Data Values..................................................................38-10
Node Attributes.............................................................................................................38-11
Value-related Attributes ...................................................................................38-11
Meta-data Attributes for Records .....................................................................38-12
Attributes for Variable Nodes...........................................................................38-12
Attributes for Multi-dimensioned Variables Nodes .........................................38-12
Flowsheet Connectivity Port Attributes ...........................................................38-13
Other Attributes ................................................................................................38-13

xxiv • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Example of Using AttributeValue ....................................................................38-14
Physical Quantities and Units of Measure....................................................................38-15
Retrieving Units of Measure.............................................................................38-15
Converting the Units of Measure for a Value...................................................38-16
Changing the Units of Measure for the Aspen Plus Run..................................38-17
Referencing Non-Scalar Variables in the Automation Interface..................................38-18
Accessing Variables With a Single Identifier: Column Temperature Profile ..38-19
Accessing Variables with 2 Identifiers: Column Composition Profile ............38-21
Accessing Variables With 3 Identifiers: Reaction Coefficients .......................38-22
Flowsheet Connectivity and Automation .....................................................................38-24
Accessing Flowsheet Connectivity...................................................................38-24
Example Code Showing Flowsheet Connectivity ............................................38-24
Manipulating Blocks and Streams....................................................................38-25
Manipulating Libraries and Model Library Categories....................................38-26
Controlling the User Interface from an Automation Client..........................................38-26
Handling Aspen Plus Events ............................................................................38-27
Suppressing Dialog Boxes................................................................................38-28
Disabling User Interface features .....................................................................38-28
Automating the Initial Connection to the Simulation Engine ..........................38-28
Controlling a Simulation from an Automation Client ..................................................38-29
Exporting Files from an Automation Client .................................................................38-34
Members of Aspen Plus Classes...................................................................................38-34
Members of Classes HappLS and HappIP .......................................................38-34
Members of Class IHNode ...............................................................................38-38
Members of Class IHNodeCol .........................................................................38-40
Members of Class IHAPEngine .......................................................................38-42
Members of Class IHAPLibRef .......................................................................38-43

Heat Exchanger Design Program Interface 39-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................39-1
About the Heat Exchanger Design Program Interface ...................................................39-1
Generating Property Data in a Simulation......................................................................39-2
Starting HTXINT............................................................................................................39-3
Selecting Heating/Cooling Curve Results to Export ......................................................39-4
Generating the Interface File ..........................................................................................39-6
Using the Interface File in Your Heat Exchanger Design Program ...............................39-7

Using FACT and ChemApp with Aspen Plus 40-1

FACT/ChemApp Software Requirements......................................................................40-1
Specifying a Simulation Using FACT and ChemApp....................................................40-2
Configuring Aspen Plus to Use the Aspen-FACT-ChemApp interface.............40-2
FACT Components.............................................................................................40-3
Defining Property Methods for the Aspen-FACT-ChemApp Interface.............40-4
Preparing the ChemSage File .............................................................................40-5
Using ChemApp as a Unit Operation Model......................................................40-6

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide Contents • xxv

xxvi • Contents Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide
About This Manual
The Aspen Plus User Guide consists of three volumes that provide
step-by-step instructions for using Aspen Plus® to build and use a
process simulation model.
Volume 1 describes the Aspen Plus user interface and explains
how to perform the basic tasks for creating and running
simulations. Topics include:
• Creating a simulation model
• Defining the flowsheet
• Entering the required information, such as components,
streams and physical property data
• Running the simulation
• Examining results
Volume 2 contains procedures for using additional Aspen Plus
capabilities:
• Convergence
• Sensitivity
• Design specifications
• Optimization
• Property analysis
• Data regression
Volume 3 contains information about:
• Pressure relief calculations
• Stream libraries
• Working with other Windows™ programs
• The Aspen Plus ActiveX® automation interface

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide About This Manual • xxvii

 For More Information
Online Help Aspen Plus has a complete system of online help
and context-sensitive prompts. The help system contains both
context-sensitive help and reference information. For more
information about using Aspen Plus help, see the Aspen Plus User
Guide, Chapter 3.
Aspen Plus application examples A suite of sample online
Aspen Plus simulations illustrating specific processes is delivered
with Aspen Plus.
Aspen Engineering Suite Installation Guide This guide
provides instructions on installation of Aspen Plus and other AES
products.
Aspen Plus Getting Started Guides This set of tutorials includes
several hands-on sessions to familiarize you with Aspen Plus. The
guides take you step-by-step to learn the full power and scope of
Aspen Plus.
Aspen Plus User Guide The three-volume Aspen Plus User
Guide provides step-by-step procedures for developing and using
an Aspen Plus process simulation model. The guide is
task-oriented to help you accomplish the engineering work you
need to do, using the powerful capabilities of Aspen Plus.
Aspen Plus reference manual series Aspen Plus reference
manuals provide detailed technical reference information. These
manuals include background information about the unit operation
models available in Aspen Plus, and a wide range of other
reference information. The set comprises:
• Unit Operation Models
• User Models
• System Management
• Summary File Toolkit
• Input Language Guide
Aspen Physical Property System reference manual series
Aspen Physical Property System reference manuals provide
detailed technical reference information. These manuals include
background information about the physical properties methods and
models available in Aspen Plus, tables of Aspen Plus databank
parameters, group contribution method functional groups, and
other reference information. The set comprises:
• Physical Property Methods and Models
• Physical Property Data

xxviii • About This Manual Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 The Aspen Plus manuals are delivered in Adobe portable
document format (PDF) on the Aspen Plus Documentation CD.

Technical Support
World Wide Web For additional information about AspenTech
products and services, check the AspenTech World Wide Web
home page on the Internet at: http://www.aspentech.com/
Technical resources AspenTech customers with a valid license
and software maintenance agreement can register to access the
Online Technical Support Center at
http://support.aspentech.com/
This web support site allows you to:
• Access current product documentation
• Search for tech tips, solutions and frequently asked questions
(FAQs)
• Search for and download application examples
• Submit and track technical issues
• Send suggestions
• Report product defects
• Review lists of known deficiencies and defects
Registered users can also subscribe to our Technical Support e-
Bulletins. These e-Bulletins are used to proactively alert users to
important technical support information such as:
• Technical advisories
• Product updates and Service Pack announcements
Contacting Customer Customer support is also available by phone, fax, and email for
Support customers with a current support contract for this product. For the
most up-to-date phone listings, please see the Online Technical
Support Center at http://support.aspentech.com.
The following contact information was current when this product
was released:

Hours
Support Centers Operating Hours
North America 8:00 – 20:00 Eastern Time
South America 9:00 – 17:00 Local time
Europe 8:30 – 18:00 Central European time
Asia and Pacific Region 9:00 – 17:30 Local time

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide About This Manual • xxix

 Phone Support Phone Numbers
Centers
North 1-888-996-7100 Toll-free from U.S., Canada, Mexico
America 1-281-584-4357 North America Support Center
(52) (5) 536-2809 Mexico Support Center
South (54) (11) 4361-7220 Argentina Support Center
America (55) (11) 5012-0321 Brazil Support Center
(0800) 333-0125 Toll-free to U.S. from Argentina
(000) (814) 550-4084 Toll-free to U.S. from Brazil
8001-2410 Toll-free to U.S. from Venezuela
Europe (32) (2) 701-95-55 European Support Center
Country specific toll-free numbers:
Belgium (0800) 40-687
Denmark 8088-3652
Finland (0) (800) 1-19127
France (0805) 11-0054
Ireland (1) (800) 930-024
Netherlands (0800) 023-2511
Norway (800) 13817
Spain (900) 951846
Sweden (0200) 895-284
Switzerland (0800) 111-470
UK (0800) 376-7903
Asia and (65) 395-39-00 Singapore
Pacific (81) (3) 3262-1743 Tokyo
Region

xxx • About This Manual Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Fax Support Centers Fax Numbers
North America 1-617-949-1724 (Cambridge, MA)
1-281-584-1807 (Houston, TX: both Engineering and
Manufacturing Suite)
1-281-584-5442 (Houston, TX: eSupply Chain Suite)
1-281-584-4329 (Houston, TX: Advanced Control Suite)
1-301-424-4647 (Rockville, MD)
1-908-516-9550 (New Providence, NJ)
1-425-492-2388 (Seattle, WA)
South America (54) (11) 4361-7220 (Argentina)
(55) (11) 5012-4442 (Brazil)
Europe (32) (2) 701-94-45
Asia and Pacific (65) 395-39-50 (Singapore)
Region (81) (3) 3262-1744 (Tokyo)

E-mail Support Centers E-mail

North America [email protected] (Engineering Suite)
[email protected] (Aspen ICARUS products)
[email protected] (Aspen MIMI products)
[email protected] (Aspen PIMS products)
[email protected] (Aspen Retail products)
[email protected] (Advanced Control products)
[email protected] (Manufacturing Suite)
[email protected] (Mexico)
South America [email protected] (Argentina)
[email protected] (Brazil)
Europe [email protected] (Engineering Suite)
[email protected] (All other suites)
[email protected] (CIMVIEW products)
Asia and Pacific [email protected] (Singapore: Engineering Suite)
Region [email protected] (Singapore: All other suites)
[email protected] (Tokyo: Engineering Suite)
[email protected] (Tokyo: All other suites)

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide About This Manual • xxxi

xxxii • About This Manual Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide
 CHAPTER 1

The User Interface

Overview
For help on the parts of the user interface, see one of the following
topics:
• The Aspen Plus Main window
• The Process Flowsheet window
• The Model Library
• The Data Browser
• The Object Manager
If you are new to Aspen Plus, do the exercises in Aspen Plus
Getting Started Building and Running a Process Model.

Connecting to the Aspen Plus Host

Computer
If:
• The Aspen Plus simulation engine is not installed on your PC,
or
• The Aspen Plus simulation engine is installed on your PC and
you are using the network license manager.
Then you may be asked where to run the simulation engine when
you start Aspen Plus.
See your Aspen Plus system administrator for information specific
to your installation.
1 Start Aspen Plus and select a previous run, template, or blank
simulation.
The Connect to Engine dialog box appears.

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-1

 2 Specify where the Aspen Plus engine will run:
Server Type If the Aspen Plus engine runs on
Local PC Your PC, using the network license manager
Windows NT A Windows NT server
server
3 If you specified Windows NT server, enter the following
information in the dialog box:
Enter this information In this box
The type of Aspen Plus engine you want to connect Server Type
to
Node name of the computer the Aspen Plus Node Name
simulation will run on
Your logon name on the host computer User Name
Password for your account on the host computer Password
Working directory on the host computer for Working Directory
Aspen Plus runs
4 When the network connection is established, a message box
appears saying Connection Established.
If the Connection Established box does not appear, see the
Aspen Plus system administrator at your site for more
information on network protocols and Aspen Plus host
computers.
Tip It is possible to change the Connection by selecting
Connect to Engine from the Run menu.
Tip You can specify additional host settings in the Settings
dialog box. To do this, from the Run menu, click Settings.

1-2 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 The Aspen Plus Main Window
When you start Aspen Plus, the main window appears.

Use the workspace to create and display simulation flowsheets and

PFD-style drawings. You can open other windows, such as Plot
windows or Data Browser windows, from the Aspen Plus main
window.
Tip You can display a window by selecting it from the Window
menu. You can arrange the windows by selecting Tile or Cascade
from the Window menu.

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-3

 The parts of the Aspen Plus main window are:
Window Part Description
Titlebar Horizontal bar at top of window that displays the Run
ID.
Simulation 1 is the default ID until you give the run a
name.
Menu bar Horizontal bar below the titlebar. Gives the names of the
available menus.
Toolbar Horizontal bar below the menu bar. Contains buttons
that, when clicked, perform commands.
Next button Invokes the Aspen Plus expert system. Guides you
through the steps required to complete your simulation.
Status bar Displays status information about the current run.
Select Mode Turns off Insert mode for inserting objects, and returns
button you to Select mode.
Process Window where you construct the flowsheet
Flowsheet
window
Model library Area at the bottom of the main window. Lists available
unit operation models.

Aspen Plus Toolbars Use the buttons on the toolbars to perform actions quickly and
easily.
The default toolbars are shown here:

For information on viewing different toolbars, see Viewing

Toolbars.

1-4 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 The Process Flowsheet Window
The Process Flowsheet window is where you create and display
simulation flowsheets and PFD-style drawings.
You can display the process flowsheet window in three different
ways:
To display the From the Window menu, click
Process Flowsheet window as
A normal window Normal
A window always in the Flowsheet as Wallpaper
background
A sheet of a workbook Workbook mode

The Model Library

Use the Model Library to select unit operation models and icons
that you want placed on the flowsheet. The Model Library appears
at the bottom of the Aspen Plus main window.

Selecting a Unit To select a unit operation model:

Operation Model from 1 Click the tab that corresponds to the type of model you want to
the Model Library place in the flowsheet.
2 Click the unit operation model on the sheet.

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-5

 3 To select a different icon for a model, click the down arrow
next to the model icon to see alternate icons. The icon you
select will appear for that model in the Model Library.
4 When you have selected a model, click location in the
flowsheet where you want to place the model.
When you place blocks this way, you are in Insert mode. Each
time you click in the Process Flowsheet window, you place a
block of the model type that you specified. To exit Insert mode
and return to Select mode, click the Mode Select Button on the
upper left of the Model Library.

Tip: You can also place blocks in your flowsheet by dragging and
dropping from the Model Library to the Process Flowsheet
window.

Selecting the Stream To select the stream type:

Type from the Model 1 Click the down arrow next to the stream type displayed in the
Library Model Library.

2 Select the stream type you want to place in the flowsheet.

3 Once a stream type is selected, simply click the ports on the
flowsheet where you want to connect the stream.
When placing blocks and streams, the mouse pointer changes to
the crosshair shape, indicating Insert Mode. After placing each
block or stream, you remain in Insert Mode until you click the
Select Mode button in the upper right corner of the Model Library.
For more information on what the mouse pointers mean, see
Mouse Pointer Shapes.

Tip: You can undock the Model Library and use it as a floating
palette.

For more details and examples for setting up a flowsheet, see

Getting Started Building and Running a Process Model.

1-6 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 The Data Browser
The Data Browser is a sheet and form viewer with a hierarchical
tree view of the available simulation input, results, and objects that
have been defined.
To open the Data Browser:
• Click the Data Browser button on the Data Browser
toolbar.
– or –
• From the Data menu, click Data Browser.
The Data Browser also appears when you open any form.
Use the Data Browser to:
• Display forms and sheets and manipulate objects
• View multiple forms and sheets without returning to the Data
menu, for example, when checking Properties Parameters input
• Edit the sheets that define the input for the flowsheet
simulation
• Check the status and contents of a run
• See what results are available

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-7

 The Parts of the Data The parts of the Data Browser window are:
Browser Window Part Description
Form Displays sheets where you can enter data or view
results
Menu Tree Hierarchical tree of folders and forms
Status Bar Displays status information about the current block,
stream or other object
Prompt Area Provides information to help you make choices or
perform tasks
Go to a Different Enables you to select a folder or form to display.
Folder
Up One Level Takes you up one level in the Menu Tree
Folder List Displays or hides the Menu Tree
Units Shows units of measure used for the active form
Go Back button Takes you to the previously viewed form
Go Forward button Takes you to the form where you last chose the Go
Back Button
Input/Results View Allows you to view folders and forms for Input
Menu only, Results only, or All
Previous Sheet Takes you to the previous input or result sheet for
button this object
Next Sheet button Takes you to the next input or result sheet for this
object
Comments button Allows you to enter comments for a particular block,
stream, or other object
Status button Displays any messages generated during the last run
related to a particular form
Next button Invokes the Aspen Plus expert system. Guides you
through the steps required to complete your
simulation.

Displaying Forms and Use the Data Browser to view and edit the forms and sheets that
Sheets in the Data define the input and display the results for the flowsheet
Browser simulation. When you have a form displayed, you can view any
sheet on the form by clicking on the tab for that sheet.
There are several ways to display forms. You can display a form in
a new Data Browser by using:
• The Data menu
• Block or stream popup menus
• The Check Results button on the Control Panel, the Check
Results command from the Run menu, or the Check Results
button on the Simulation Run toolbar

1-8 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 • The Setup, Components, Properties, Streams, or Blocks buttons
on the Data Browser toolbar
• The Next button on the Data Browser toolbar
• The Data Browser button on the Data Browser toolbar
You can move to a new form within the same data browser by
using the:
• Menu tree
• Object Managers
• Next button on the Data Browser
• Previous Form and Next Form buttons (<<, >>)
• Go Back and Go Forward buttons (Ä, Å)
• Select View menu
• Up One Level button

Status Indicators Status indicators display the completion status for the entire
simulation as well as for individual forms and sheets.
The status indicators appear:
• Next to sheet names on the tabs of a form
• As symbols representing forms in the Data Browser menu tree

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-9

 This table shows the meaning of the symbols that appear:
This Symbol On an Means
Input form Required input complete
Input form Required input incomplete
Input form No data entered
Mixed form Input and Results
Results form No results present (calculations
have not been run)
Results form Results available without Errors or
Warnings (OK)
Results form Results available with Warnings
Results form Results available with Errors
Results form Results inconsistent with current
input (input changed)
Input folder No data entered
Input folder Required input incomplete
Input folder Required input complete
Results folder No results present
Results folder Results available – OK
Results folder Results available with Warnings
Results folder Results available with Errors
Results folder Results inconsistent with current
input (input changed)
Beside folder or form EO input or results OK
Beside folder or form EO input or results with Errors
A form is a collection of sheets.
Using Next
Click the Next button to move to the next input form or menu
at any point in Aspen Plus.
Use Next to:
• Guide you through the required and optional input for a run by
displaying messages
• Tell you what you need to do next
• Ensure you do not make incomplete or inconsistent
specifications, even when you change options and
specifications you have already entered

1-10 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 This table shows what happens if you click Next:
If Using Next
The sheet you are on is Displays a message listing the input you must
incomplete provide to complete the sheet
The sheet you are on is Takes you to next required input sheet for the
complete current object
You have selected an Takes you to next object or the next step in
object that is complete making a run
You have selected an Takes you to the next sheet you must
object that is incomplete complete
Using the Previous You can browse through sheets and forms sequentially by using
and Next Sheet the Previous Sheet and Next Sheet buttons on the Data Browser
Buttons toolbar. These buttons take you through input sheets, results sheets,
or both, depending on the current selection of the Input/Results
View menu button in the Data Browser toolbar.

To view the next sheet in a series, click the Next Sheet button .

To view the previous sheet, click the Previous Sheet button .

Using the Go Back You can trace through previously viewed forms using the Go Back
and Go Forward
button . The Go Back button can be clicked many times to
Buttons
continue through a reverse sequence of the forms you have viewed.

When you have gone back once, the Go Forward button is

enabled, so you can return to the form that you were on.

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-11

 Using the Object Manager
Every block, stream, and other simulation object has a unique ID.
When you select a folder in the Data Browser tree which contains
several simulation objects, an Object Manager form appears in the
form area of the Data Browser.

Use the Object Manager buttons to perform the following

functions:
Button Description
New Create a new object. You will be prompted for the ID for
the object.
The forms for the object will display.
Edit Display the forms for the object
Delete Delete the object
Clear Delete the data for an object. The object still exists.
Rename Rename the object
Hide Temporarily remove an object from the simulation,
without deleting it.
Reveal Put a hidden object back into the simulation
Not all functions are available for all objects.

1-12 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 You can delete the following from a simulation:
Deleting Objects and
Clearing Forms • A component, from the Components Specification Selection
sheet
• Blocks and streams, from the flowsheet
• Other input, such as a design specification, using the Data
Browser or an Object Manager
When you delete input, all references to the deleted object (even on
other forms) are automatically deleted. If this results in an
inconsistent or incomplete specification, the Expert System marks
the affected forms as incomplete, and the Next function takes you
to any incomplete sheets.
You cannot delete:
• Sheets that do not represent objects, such as the Setup forms
• Properties Parameters (Binary or Pair) and Molecular Structure
objects
However, you can clear these sheets of all existing input and
restore their default values. To do this, click Clear from an Object
Manager.

Using the Expert System When You

Make Changes
The Aspen Plus Expert System (the Next function):
• Tells you when your specifications are inconsistent or
incomplete
• Guides you through reconciling changes
If the field where you want to enter data is inactive, the Prompt for
the field tells you why. To make the field active, delete any
conflicting entries or options.
If you change an option or specification that makes other entries
inconsistent, Aspen Plus displays a dialog box asking if you want
to temporarily override the error.
Click Yes if you want to continue without correcting the
inconsistency error. Then go to the affected fields and make them
consistent with the new specification.
The affected forms are marked incomplete until you reconcile the
specifications. The Expert System guides you to incomplete sheets.

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-13

 Using Shortcut Keys
The following lists describe the available shortcut keys:
General Shortcut This table shows general shortcut keys:
Keys Item Shortcut Key
Close active window ALT+F4
Copy CTRL+C
Context Help F1
Cut CTRL+X
Display popup menu SHIFT+F10
Display next MDI-child CTRL+F6
window
Paste CTRL+V
Print CTRL+P
Redo CTRL+Y
Save CTRL+S
Select All CTRL+A
Switch to next window ALT+F6
What’s This Help SHIFT+F1
Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys for working with blocks and
Working with Blocks streams:
and Streams Item Shortcut Key
Align Blocks CTRL+B
Center View CTRL+HOME
Change Section CTRL+F11
Change Stream Class CTRL+Q
Delete Blocks or Streams DEL
Exchange Icon CTRL+K
Hide Annotation CTRL+L
Hide Global Data CTRL+G
Hide ID CTRL+H
Input CTRL+I
Rename Block or Stream CTRL+M
Reroute Streams CTRL+J
Results CTRL+R
Stream Results CTRL+D
Unplace Block or Group CTRL+U

1-14 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 This table shows the shortcut keys for editing:
Shortcut Keys for
Editing Item Shortcut Key
Copy CTRL+C
Delete DEL
Paste CTRL+V
Rename CTRL+M
Select All CTRL+A
Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys for working with files:
Working with Files Item Shortcut Key
Export CTRL+E
Import CTRL+T
New CTRL+N
Open CTRL+O
Print CTRL+P
Save CTRL+S
Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys for working with flowsheets:
Working with Item Shortcut Key
Flowsheets
Align Blocks CTRL+B
Change Section CTRL+F11
Change Stream Class CTRL+Q
Exchange Icons CTRL+K
Flowsheet Sections F11
Hide Annotation CTRL+L
Hide Global Data CTRL+G
Hide ID CTRL+H
Reroute Streams CTRL+J
Unplace Blocks CTRL+U
Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys for help:
Help Item Shortcut Key
Context Help F1
Display popup menu SHIFT+F10
What’s This Help SHIFT+F1

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-15

 This table shows the shortcut keys for plotting:
Shortcut Keys for
Plotting Item Shortcut Key
Display Plot CTRL+ALT+P
Parametric Variable CTRL+ALT+Z
Plot Wizard CTRL+ALT+W
X-Axis Variable CTRL+ALT+X
Y-Axis Variable CTRL+ALT+Y
Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys for working with regions:
Working with Regions Item Shortcut Key
Bookmarks F3
Center View CTRL+HOME
Page Break Preview F2
Pan CTRL+F3
Print CTRL+P
Reset Page Breaks SHIFT+F2
Select All CTRL+A
Zoom Full CTRL+END
Zoom In CTRL+UP ARROW
Zoom Out CTRL+DOWN ARROW
Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys that you can use when running
Running Simulations simulations:
Item Shortcut Key
Check Results CTRL+F8
Connect to Engine SHIFT+F7
Move To CTRL+F9
Reinitialize SHIFT+F5
Run F5
Settings CTRL+F7
Step CTRL+F5
Stop Points F9

1-16 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide

 Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys that you can use for viewing:
Viewing Item Shortcut Key
Annotation CTRL+ALT+L
Bookmarks F3
Center View CTRL+HOME
Control Panel F6
Current Section Only SHIFT+F11
Global Data CTRL+ALT+G
History CTRL+ALT+H
Input Summary CTRL+ALT+I
OLE Objects CTRL+ALT+F
Model Library F10
Page Break Preview F2
Pan CTRL+F3
PFD Mode F12
Redraw CTRL+W
Refresh PFD SHIFT+F12
Report CTRL+ALT+R
Reset Page Breaks SHIFT+F2
Zoom Full CTRL+END
Zoom In CTRL+UP ARROW
Zoom Out CTRL+DOWN ARROW

Supplying Comments
You can write notes or keep track of information by entering
comments for particular forms. Each object has just one Comments
form which you can access from any input or results form for the
object.
To enter comments on a form:
1 Click the Comments button on the Data Browser toolbar.
If there are no existing comments, the button looks like this:
.
If there are existing comments, the button looks like this:
2 Enter your one line description in the Description box of the
Comments form.
The description is printed in the Aspen Plus report.
3 Enter your comments in the Comments area of the Comments
form.
4 OK to close the Comments form.

Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-17

1-18 • The User Interface Aspen Plus 11.1 User Guide