Problem Statement

Procedure to import Aspen Plus models to Aspen Economic Analyzer (APEA).

Solution

This solution discusses the step by step procedure to import simulation data obtained from an Aspen Plus model into Aspen Process Economic Analyzer.

1. Load the Aspen Plus file and make sure the model runs with no errors. It's recommended to reintialize and run the Aspen Plus model and verify no error messages appear.

2. Save the Aspen Plus file using wither the BKP or APW format, or export it as an XML file (See screenshot below), using the XML is recommended.

3. Close the Aspen Plus file and launch Aspen Process Economic Analyzer. Make sure you use the same version of APEA used to create the Aspen Plus file.

4. Create a new APEA Project or Scenario by clicking File | New. 

5. Enter a name for your new Project and Scenario and click OK.

6. Select between IP (English) or Metric Units of Measure, then Click OK.
Note: The units cannot be toggled after the project file has been created, so make sure the selected units match your required data.

7. Accept Input Units of Measure Specifications by closing dialog box

8. On the General Project Data window, make sure you enter the desired Country Base (US, UK, EU, JP, ME) and if required, enter the Currency Symbol and conversion rate. Hit OK when done.

9. Left click on Project basis View Tab (on left bottom)

10. Double click on Simulator type, then select Aspen Plus and hit OK. A confirmation window will appear upon hitting OK.

11. Double left click on Simulator file name, then browse for your Aspen Plus file. Hit OK when done.
Note: use the File type window on the lower corner of the browser to find APW or XML files if needed. 

13. Click on Run | Load Data. You can also use the icon from the tool bar. Click Yes in the confirmation message to proceed.

14. Click on Run | Map Items. You can also use the icon from the tool bar.

15. In the upcoming window, accept the default options and click OK.

16. The Map Preview window will appear, use this to map each Aspen Plus block present in your simulation to real life equipment. The Aspen Plus blocks will be listed on the left section of this window.
Since APEA maps every block by default, you can click on any Aspen Plus block to review the current mapped equipment. Feel free to correct any block mapping if needed. Mapping can be modified later in your evaluation.

17. Click OK when done. Allow APEA to complete the mapping process, wait for the status at the bottom to read Ready in order to continue.

18. Switch to the Process View Tab. Use this section to review the imported key results obtained from Aspen Plus.

19. Switch to the Project View tab. This section displays the actual equipment that will be estimated by APEA. The objects imported from the simulator will be displayed under the section "Miscellaneous Flowsheet Area".

20. Feel free to browse each APEA component to review the information that was taken from Aspen Plus.

This marks the end of this process, you will have imported your Aspen Plus Model/results into APEA at this point.
 

Keywords

Aspen Process Economic Analyzer, APEA, Aspen Plus, Simulator, Import.