Section 1: Using Aspen

Simulation Workbook

Introduction
Aspen Simulation Workbook (ASW) is a tool for interfacing AspenTechs
process simulation models with Microsoft Excel worksheets. Aspen Simulation
Workbook also has tools to link model variables to plant data tags imported
using third-party applications. These capabilities allow modeling experts to
link models and plant data and publish the resulting models as Excel
worksheets for use by casual model users.
!

Aspen Simulation Workbook is compatible with Microsoft Excel 2000 (or

higher) and operates under Windows 2000 (or higher) environments.

Aspen Simulation Workbook supports Aspen Plus. and is also compatible

with the HTFS+ family of products, including Tasc+, Acol+, Teams, and
FiredHeater, etc.

Aspen Simulation Workbook supports Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS cases,
as well as the layered products based on these platforms for example,
Aspen Polymers Plus and Aspen HYSYS Refining

Aspen Simulation Workbook supports steady-state HYSYS models,

including models based on HYSYS Upstream and Aspen HYSYS Refining.

Aspen Simulation Workbook fully supports sequential-modular (SM)

variables in Aspen Plus. Equation-oriented (EO) models are supported
indirectly through the SM variables, which are synchronized with the EO
variables during simulation runs.

Aspen Simulation Workbook is also compatible with the Aspen Modeler

family of products, including Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM), Aspen Plus
Dynamics (AD), Aspen Chromatography, Aspen Adsorption, and Aspen
Model Runner (AMR).

Initialization, steady-state, and dynamic runs are also fully supported.

Although estimation and optimization run modes are supported, the
estimation data and results and optimization results variables are not
exposed in the current ACM adapter.

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

Who Should Read this Guide?

Customers with two types of roles are associated with Aspen Simulation
Workbook: Model Authors and Model Users.
Model Authors (model interface developers) use Aspen Simulation Workbook
to link process models and plant data tags to MS Excel workbooks. A typical
Model Author is familiar with the underlying simulation tools (for example,
Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, etc.) and may also be familiar with process
information systems such as Aspen IP21. Most of the chapters in this Guide
address the steps required to interface the models and plant data to an Excel
sheet.
Once the model interface is developed, it can be deployed to a larger number
of Model Users (MUs). The typical Model User is comfortable using Excel and
has an understanding of the chemical process, but may not be an experienced
user of the underlying simulation tools. Model Users can refer to the rest of
Chapter 1 for the steps required to run simulations through Excel using Aspen
Simulation Workbook.

Related Documentation
Note: Within Aspen Simulation Workbook, Aspen Plus, and Aspen HYSYS,
press F1 to access the online help.
In addition to this document, a number of other documents are provided to
help users learn and use Aspen Simulation Workbook, Aspen Plus, and Aspen
HYSYS.

Aspen Plus Documentation

Title

Content

Aspen Plus Getting Started Building

and Running a Process Model

Tutorials covering basic use of Aspen Plus. A

prerequisite for the other Getting Started
guides

Aspen Plus Getting Started Modeling

Processes with Solids

Tutorials covering the Aspen plus features

designed to handle solids

Aspen Plus Getting Started Modeling

Processes with Electrolytes

Tutorials covering the Aspen plus features

designed to handle electrolytes

Aspen Plus Getting Started Using

Equation-Oriented Modeling

Tutorials covering the use of equationoriented models in Aspen Plus

Aspen Plus Getting Started

Customizing Unit Operation Models

Tutorials covering the development of

custom unit operation models in
Aspen Plus

Aspen Plus Getting Started Modeling

Petroleum Processes

Tutorials covering the Aspen Plus features

designed to handle petroleum

Aspen Plus User Guide

Procedures for using Aspen Plus

Aspen Plus Unit Operation Models

Reference Manual

Information related to specific unit operation

models in Aspen Plus

Aspen Plus System Management

Reference Manual

Information about customizing files provided

with Aspen Plus

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

Aspen Plus Documentation

Title

Content

APrSystem Physical Property Methods

and Models Reference Manual

Information about property methods and

property models

APrSystem Physical Property Data

Reference Manual

Information about property databanks

Aspen Engineering Suite Installation

Manual

Instructions for installing Aspen Plus and

other Aspen Engineering Suite products

Aspen HYSYS
Documentation
Title

Content

Customization Guide

This manual contains information on enhancing the

functionality of HYSYS by either using third-party tools to
programmatically run HYSYS (Automation), or by the addition
of user-defined Extensions.

Dynamic Modeling
Guide

This manual contains information on building and running

HYSYS simulations in Dynamic mode. Dynamic theory, tools,
dynamic functioning of the unit operations as well as controls
theory are covered.

HYSYS OLI Interface

Reference Guide

This manual contains information on applying HYSYS OLI

Interface package to a simulation. This property package
comprehensively and accurately simulates and predicts
electrolyte systems.

Operations Guide

This manual contains information on steady state operation of

HYSYS unit operations, streams, and utilities.

Simulation Basis
Guide

This manual contains all information relating to the available

HYSYS Fluid Packages and components. This includes
information on the Oil Manager, Hypotheticals, Reactions, as
well as a thermodynamics reference section.

Tutorials &
Applications Guide

This manual provides a range of step-by-step to advance

instructions for building some industry-specific simulation
examples.

Upstream Option
Guide

This manual contains information on building and applying

HYSYS Upstream unit operations.

Multiflash for
Windows User Guide

This manual contains information on applying Multiflash GUI

in Microsoft Windows.

HYSYS Refining
Option Guide

This manual contains information on building and applying

HYSYS Refining unit operations and petroleum assay.

User Guide

This manual provides in depth information on the HYSYS

interface and architecture.

Technical Support
AspenTech customers with a valid license and software maintenance
agreement can register to access the online AspenTech Support Center at:
http://support.aspentech.com
This Web support site allows you to:

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

Access current product documentation

Search for tech tips, solutions and frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Search for and download application examples

Search for and download service packs and product updates

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 alert users to important technical support
information such as:
!

Technical advisories

Product updates and releases

Customer support is also available by phone, fax, and email. The most up-todate contact information is available at the AspenTech Support Center at
http://support.aspentech.com.

Getting Started

Follow the steps for installing Aspen Simulation Workbook described in the
Aspen Engineering Suite Installation Manual.

Choose your desired add-ins from the Aspen Simulation Workbook Add-in
Selector

Open Microsoft Excel

Note that the Design and Run toolbars are loaded, along with the
traditional Excel toolbars.

You're now ready to begin either working with an existing simulation or

creating your own.

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

Aspen Simulation Workbook Toolbars

Aspen Simulation Workbook adds two toolbar menus to Excel: the Aspen
Simulation Workbook Design Toolbar, and the Aspen Simulation Run Toolbar.
Note: Model Users or Model Authors using either Excel version 2007 (or
higher), or Microsoft's Vista operating system will view the toolbar menus as
ribbon bar menus as shown below.
Design Toolbar

Run Toolbar

Design and Run Ribbon Bars

Design Toolbar
The Aspen Simulation Workbook Design toolbar is used by the Model Author
to access the Organizer and other options used during the development of the
model interface. This toolbar also includes an option that allows the Model
Author to lock the worksheet out of design mode to restrict user access to
various Aspen Simulation Workbook features.
The designer toolbar is used by the model developer to create an ASW
interface:
!

Activate / Deactivate ASW

Link simulation cases

Link model variables

Link plant tags

Create tables in Excel

Draw PFDs

Lock features

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

Button

Action
Enable or disable Aspen Simulation Workbook
/
Open the model variable organizer form
Create an instant table
Insert process equipment icons
Import selected tags into the organizer
Enable or disable automatic tag update (button shows state,
enabled or disabled, click button to toggle state)
Protect end user access; button shows state (locked or
unlocked). Click the button to toggle state
Refresh Excel with current simulation data

Run Toolbar
The Aspen Simulation Workbook Run toolbar contains the controls to activate,
view, run, and stop the models. This toolbar is convenient for the Model
Author and the final Model Users. The run-time toolbar is used by the model
operator to:

Activate / Deactivate models

Update plant tags

Control / run simulation cases

View messages

View models

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

Button

Action
Select (and display) active simulation case

Activate model / Deactivate model; this button shows

the state (a red X indicates the model is currently
deactivated).
Select (and display) active simulation environment
Select (and display) simulation run mode
Run active simulation / toggle solver
This button is active when the solver is on.
Step active simulation
Pause active simulation
Toggle solver (button is active when solver is off)
Restart simulation (rewind to start for dynamic runs)
Reinitialize simulation (Aspen Plus only)
Show / hide active simulation model
Load snapshot
View message logs
Update tags

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

Note: The first time you open a new worksheet the Aspen Simulation
Workbook Toolbars may not be visible. To expose these toolbars, select View,
ToolBars through the Excel pull-down menus and check the Aspen Simulation
Workbook toolbars as shown below:

If you do not see these options on the Toolbars menu, see Writing Scripts for
ASW

Enable/Disable Toggle
Use the
button on the Aspen Simulation Workbook Design toolbar to
activate the features of Aspen Simulation Workbook. Enabling Aspen
Simulation Workbook checks out a base ASW license, which remains checked
out until the worksheet is closed or the feature is disabled by clicking the
button.
The enabled/disabled state of the worksheet is retained when you save your
Excel workbook. If the Excel workbook is saved while Aspen Simulation
Workbook is enabled, this feature will be automatically enabled next time the
Excel workbook is opened.

Bringing a Simulation Model into ASW

Use the Manage Simulation selection box on the Aspen Simulation Workbook
Run toolbar to open the Simulation References window. From this window,
select the Browse button to open a browser control.

button.

Click the toolbar's Activate Model

Choose the Manage Simulation Drop Down Menu.

Select the desired simulation for ASW. (In this case, the simulation is a
test file from Aspen Plus.)

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook

To view the simulation, click the Show/Hide button

You may now use the ASW Organizer to work within the simulation.

Section 1: Using Aspen Simulation Workbook