Introduction to Conceptual Engineering Products 6.2

We are pleased to introduce version 6.2 of the conceptual engineering products. The new version brings the latest advances in heat integration, distillation and thermodynamics technology to your desktop.

This release of version 6.2 of conceptual engineering products synchronizes the release of all conceptual engineering products. With this release we will provide a much tighter integration of the conceptual product line. The benefits of doing so would be the most to the customers who make use of all of the conceptual technologies together.

Minimum and Recommended Systems

The following describes the minimum platform requirements needed to run Concepts 6.1.

Minimum Recommended
Processor Pentium 2 500 MHz Pentium 3 700 MHz or better
Physical Memory (RAM) 128 MB 256 MB of RAM or better
Total Memory (physical + virtual) 300 MB 600 MB
Screen Resolution 800x600 1028x768

What's new in DISTIL 6.2

DISTIL 6.2 includes:

  1. DISTIL-Aspen Properties Interface. In DISTIL 6.2 improvements have been made to enhance performance with using Aspen Properties. To take advantage of these improvements build 335 or higher of AES CapeOpen must be installed. Tips on using Aspen Properties with DISTIL:
    • Set the flag "I_O_PVSAT=1" in the COCOMTH.INI file (located where CapeOpen is installed)
    • It is also recommended that a system that exceeds the minimum requirements be used for these calculations.

What's new in HX-Net 6.2

HX-Net 6.2 includes:

  1. Linking Heat Integration Streams. Heat Exchanger Network Operations Mode allows the user to link heat integration stream inlet temperatures or flowrates to other stream outlet temperatures and/or flowrates using a linear equation. This new feature gives HX-Net the ability to represent HYSYS or Aspen Plus unit operations that connect process streams.
  2. Workflow Improvement. Improvements have been made to the workflow of HEN Operations Mode. The What If Analysis feature user interface has been greatly improved. The selection of all available tasks is now possible from a single window. Different icons for each of the different tasks provide a quick reference to what changes are being included in the simulation for the current event. Similar upgrades were done for the Trend Analysis feature.
  3. Data Extraction from Aspen Plus. Data extraction from Aspen Plus has been available since HX-Net 6.1. In addition to extraction of data from Aspen Plus 12.1, HX-Net 6.2 extracts data from Aspen Plus 11.1.

SLM Security System

Software License Manager (SLM) Security System

Concepts version 6.0 and above uses a new security system that has been implemented in all AspenTech products. The new SLM security system uses a license file that contains the list of software and features you are licensed to run. The key is simply a locking device and no longer contains licensing information. The SLM offers many advantages over the old Hyprotech security system, including simpler installation, easier upgrades and improved diagnostic tools. Previous versions of Concepts had two types of installations, one for network users and a separate one for standalone users. A security code was entered during the installation process that defined the type of installation being performed. This distinction meant that the type of security being used could not be easily changed. With the SLM only one installation is required, regardless of how Concepts is being accessed. The only factor determining the licensing mode you will be using is the location of the license file and security key. Thus, license modes can be mixed between standalone and network without modifying Concepts. Your license files control all features that constitute these applications. Upgrading to new features is as simple as changing the license file.

SLM Security System FAQ

  1. Can I use the same server for the old and new network security systems?

    -Unfortunately, no. The new SLM network security and the old network security systems are not compatible. The SLM security system must not be installed on the same computer as the old network security system.

  2. How do I know if my license file and key are matched?

    -The license file on your disk will be named according to your serial number (for standalone “green” keys) or lock code (for standalone or network SLM keys).

  3. With the new system will I still be able to move the key around?

    -Yes. However as each key is configured for a specific license file, you must install all license files you will be using with the application. To do this, simply select all the license files at Step 7 in the “Concepts Installation Procedure” outlined below. It is also possible to add these files later by following the instructions in the Get Started manual.

  4. I need a license file. How do I get one?

    -You should have received a license file on disk with your copy of the software. Alternately, if your company is running a network version of the program, the server will contain the required license files. Otherwise, contact your local AspenTech sales representative. If you are unsure whom to contact, Technical Support can put you in contact with someone. The request must include the serial number and lock code for your key. The lock code can be determined by running the echoid32 software as described in the Get Started manual. Please install the license file as outlined in the Get Started manual.

  5. How can I tell what licenses I need to run a case?

    -If you are running v2.3 or later of HYSYS, use the HYSYS file picker (select from the Preferences \ File options). This file picker view will show you which version a case was saved in and which licenses are required to run the case. Please be aware that when you save a file using licensed features, you cannot open it again without those licenses.

  6. I need some features I am not currently licensed for. How do I get licensed for new features?

    -Contact your local AspenTech sales representative. If you are unsure whom to contact, Technical Support can put you in contact with someone. You will also need to replace your current license file with a new one. If you do not have one, please refer to “I need a license file. How do I get one?” for details on how to obtain one. If you are running an old version of HYSYS or other Hyprotech software which does not support the use of license files, you will be required to exchange your current network grey key for a new network SLM key with updated license information.

  7. What if I need to use an older version of the program?

    -If you have a standalone “green” key, you will still be able to use your copy of the program. If you were on a network, you will need to speak with your sales representative to arrange for a temporary key.

  8. What if I need to install another AspenTech product and it has a new license file?

    -Allow the installer to add the new license file. It will place the files in the appropriate location to ensure that everything works together.

Further information can be found in the Troubleshooting section of the Get Started manual.

Troubleshooting SLM Installations

Before contacting Technical Support, please go through the following steps: When contacting Technical Support please supply the following 5 pieces of information:
  1. Product name(s) with which you are having problems (ie. Concepts)
  2. System Configuration:
  3. Exact description of the error encountered: i.e. what is occurring, when is the error encountered (during installation, startup, when opening a case, etc.) and most importantly, the specific text of the error message(s) received (preferably screen-shots of all error messages should be supplied)

    ** The error message is the most important piece of information required to trouble-shoot your problem. Having a complete picture of the error is critical for a quick response.**

  4. A copy of your license file
  5. The Echoid32.txt output file generated by running the Echoid32 application on the computer to which the hardware key is attached (refer to Section 2.5.1 of the Get Started guide)
Supplying this information will enable a timely resolution to your problem.

Contacting Support

Visit AspenTech Technical Support online at http://support.aspentech.com

If you are unable to find effective answers to your technical queries in the product documentation or online, we encourage you to contact our support engineers using one of the following options:

Reporting Problems

Please report any problems you encounter to AspenTech. Provide a detailed bug report, providing as much information as you can. You are encouraged to use the "Support Center Request" feature. This utility may be found under the "Help" menu.

If you are having trouble in getting this product to run, or you are experiencing a problem that you feel may be related to your system configuration, please provide copies of your configuration files. For Windows 98, please provide copies of autoexec.bat, config.sys, system.ini, and win.ini. Under Windows NT, please provide the output from Windows NT Diagnostics.

Whenever possible, please supply copies of any and all error messages encountered.

Product Feedback

We would like to hear your comments and/or ideas for product improvement. Please feel free to contact our technical support representative or email us directly at ConceptualDesign@hyprotech.com. Thanks!