APROP 111 User Guide

Part Number: Aspen Properties® 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
AspenTech or as set forth in the applicable license agreement. Users are solely responsible for the proper use of the
software and the application of the results obtained.
Although AspenTech has tested the software and reviewed the documentation, the sole warranty for the software
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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
For More Information........................................................................................................xv

Technical Support.............................................................................................................xvi
Contacting Customer Support ..............................................................................xvi
Hours ...................................................................................................................xvii
Phone ...................................................................................................................xvii
Fax ......................................................................................................................xviii
E-mail .................................................................................................................xviii
The User Interface 1-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................1-1
The Aspen Properties Main Window ...............................................................................1-1
Aspen Properties Toolbars....................................................................................1-3
The Data Browser.............................................................................................................1-3
The Data Browser Content ...................................................................................1-4
Displaying Forms and Sheets in the Data Browser ..............................................1-5
Status Indicators ...................................................................................................1-6
Using Next............................................................................................................1-6
Using the Previous and Next Sheet Buttons.........................................................1-7
Using the Go Back and Go Forward Buttons .......................................................1-7
Using the Object Manager................................................................................................1-8
Deleting Objects and Clearing Forms ..................................................................1-8
Using the Expert System When You Make Changes .......................................................1-9
Using Shortcut Keys.......................................................................................................1-10
General Shortcut Keys........................................................................................1-10
Shortcut Keys for Editing ...................................................................................1-10
Shortcut Keys for Working with Files................................................................1-11
Shortcut Keys for Help .......................................................................................1-11
Shortcut Keys for Plotting ..................................................................................1-11
Shortcut Keys for Making Calculations .............................................................1-11
Shortcut Keys for Viewing .................................................................................1-11
Supplying Comments .....................................................................................................1-12
Creating an Aspen Properties Problem 2-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................2-1
Property Calculations Using Aspen Properties ................................................................2-1
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • iii

Creating a New Problem...................................................................................................2-2
Starting Aspen Properties and Creating a New Problem......................................2-3
Creating a New Problem in Aspen Properties ......................................................2-3
Selecting a Template ........................................................................................................2-4
About the Built-In Templates ...............................................................................2-4
Completing Input Specifications ......................................................................................2-4
Completion Status for the Problem ......................................................................2-5
Completion Status on Forms ................................................................................2-5
About the Templates.........................................................................................................2-7
About the General Template.................................................................................2-7
About the Petroleum Template.............................................................................2-9
About the Gas Processing Template...................................................................2-11
About the Air Separation Template....................................................................2-12
About the Chemicals Template ..........................................................................2-13
About the Electrolytes Template ........................................................................2-14
About the Specialty Chemicals Template ..........................................................2-15
About the Pharmaceuticals Template .................................................................2-16
Using the Online Examples Library ...............................................................................2-16
Accessing the Online Example Library..............................................................2-16
Using Aspen Properties 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 Properties Technical Support..............................................................3-4
Improving Help.................................................................................................................3-5
Global Information 4-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................4-1
About Global Information ................................................................................................4-1
Entering Global Specifications.........................................................................................4-2
Global Sheet .........................................................................................................4-2
Description Sheet..................................................................................................4-4
Accounting Sheet..................................................................................................4-4
Diagnostic Sheet ...................................................................................................4-5
Setup Calculation Options ................................................................................................4-5
Calculations Sheet ................................................................................................4-6
iv • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Flash Convergence Sheet......................................................................................4-8
System Sheet.........................................................................................................4-9
Limits Sheet..........................................................................................................4-9
Units of Measure ............................................................................................................4-10
Selecting Units of Measure.................................................................................4-10
Report Options................................................................................................................4-13
Specifying Components 5-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................5-1
Forms for Specifying Component Information ................................................................5-2
About Databanks ..............................................................................................................5-2
Contents and Use of the Aspen Properties Databanks .........................................5-3
Specifying Components from a Databank........................................................................5-4
Specifying Non-Databank Components ...........................................................................5-7
Using the User-Defined Component Wizard........................................................5-8
Adding a Component......................................................................................................5-14
Inserting a Component........................................................................................5-14
Renaming a Component .................................................................................................5-15
Deleting a Component ....................................................................................................5-15
Reordering the Component List .....................................................................................5-16
Generating Electrolyte Components and Reactions .......................................................5-16
Generating the List of Components....................................................................5-17
Identifying Solid Components........................................................................................5-20
Conventional Solids............................................................................................5-21
Nonconventional Solids......................................................................................5-21
About Component Attributes .........................................................................................5-21
Assigning Attributes to Conventional Components ...........................................5-22
Assigning Attributes to Nonconventional Components .....................................5-23
Specifying Supercritical (HENRY) Components...........................................................5-24
Defining a Set of Henry’s Components ..............................................................5-24
Specifying UNIFAC Groups ..........................................................................................5-24
Defining Component Groups..........................................................................................5-25
Defining a Component Group ............................................................................5-26
Physical Property Methods 6-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................6-1
What Is a Property Method?.............................................................................................6-2
Creating New Property Methods ......................................................................................6-2
Available Property Methods.............................................................................................6-3
Ideal Property Methods ........................................................................................6-3
Equation of State Property Methods.....................................................................6-3
Activity Coefficient Property Methods ................................................................6-3
Property Methods for Special Systems.................................................................6-5
Choosing a Property Method............................................................................................6-6
Recommended Property Methods for Different Applications..............................6-6
Guidelines for Choosing a Property Method......................................................6-10
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • v

Specifying the Global Property Method.............................................................6-12
Specifying a Local Property Method..................................................................6-12
Defining Supercritical Components ...............................................................................6-12
Using Free Water Calculations.......................................................................................6-13
Specifying Properties for the Free Water Phase.................................................6-14
Special Method for K-Value of Water in the Organic Phase .............................6-14
Specifying Electrolyte Calculations ...............................................................................6-15
Modifying Property Methods .........................................................................................6-16
Modifying a Built-in Property Method...............................................................6-16
Making Advanced Modifications to a Property Method ....................................6-17
Property Methods for Nonconventional Components ....................................................6-18
Nonconventional Property Models.....................................................................6-18
Specifying the Models for Nonconventional Components.................................6-19
Physical Property Parameters and Data 7-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................7-1
About Parameters and Data ..............................................................................................7-1
Determining Property Parameter Requirements...............................................................7-2
Minimum Parameter Requirements......................................................................7-2
Parameter Requirements for Henry’s Law............................................................7-3
Parameter Requirements for Thermodynamic Reference State ...........................7-3
Retrieving Parameters from Databanks............................................................................7-4
Retrieving Pure Component Parameters...............................................................7-4
Retrieving Equation-of-State Binary Parameters .................................................7-5
Retrieving Activity Coefficient Binary Parameters..............................................7-6
Retrieving Henry’s Law Constants .......................................................................7-7
Retrieving Electrolyte Binary and Pair Parameters..............................................7-7
Entering Property Parameters...........................................................................................7-7
Forms for Entering Property Parameters ..............................................................7-8
How to Enter Property Parameters .......................................................................7-8
Entering Pure Component Constants....................................................................7-9
Entering Pure Component Correlation Parameters ............................................7-10
Entering Parameters for Nonconventional Components ....................................7-11
Entering Scalar Binary Parameters.....................................................................7-12
Entering Temperature-Dependent Binary Parameters........................................7-13
Entering Binary Parameters from DECHEMA ..................................................7-13
Estimating Binary Parameters for Activity Coefficient Models ........................7-15
Entering Electrolyte Pair Parameters..................................................................7-15
Entering Ternary Parameters ..............................................................................7-16
Using Tabular Data and Polynomial Coefficients..........................................................7-18
Tabpoly Properties..............................................................................................7-19
How Aspen Properties Uses Tabular Data and Polynomial Coefficients ..........7-20
Entering Tabular Data ........................................................................................7-21
Entering Polynomial Coefficients for the General Polynomial Model ..............7-23
Adjusting Reference States for Tabular Data and Polynomials .........................7-24
Adjusting Tabular Data or Polynomials for the Effect of Pressure....................7-25
vi • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Using Property Data Packages .......................................................................................7-26
Using a Data Package .........................................................................................7-26
Ammonia-Water Data Package ..........................................................................7-26
Ethylene Data Package .......................................................................................7-26
Using Electrolyte Amines Data Packages ..........................................................7-27
Flue Gas Treatment Data Package......................................................................7-28
Formaldehyde-Methanol-Water Data Package ..................................................7-28
Glycol Dehydration Data Package .....................................................................7-28
Pitzer Data Packages ..........................................................................................7-29
Methyl-amine Data Package...............................................................................7-29
Using Other Electrolyte Data Packages..............................................................7-30
Making Property Calculations 8-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................8-1
Making the Calculation ....................................................................................................8-1
Controlling the Calculation ..................................................................................8-2
Reinitializing Calculation .....................................................................................8-2
Viewing the Status of the Calculation ..................................................................8-2
Checking the Status of Calculation ......................................................................8-3
Checking the Calculation History.........................................................................8-4
Making the Calculation on the Aspen Properties Server..................................................8-4
Specifying Calculation Settings and User Databanks ......................................................8-5
Allow Run Only When Input is Complete ...........................................................8-5
Edit Keyword Input Data Before Starting Calculation.........................................8-5
Copy Data Regression and Property Constant Estimation Results onto Property
Parameter Forms...................................................................................................8-6
Examining Results and Generating Reports 9-1

Overview ..........................................................................................................................9-1
Viewing Calculation Results Interactively.......................................................................9-1
Checking the Completion Status ......................................................................................9-2
Checking Completion Status in the Control Panel ...............................................9-2
Checking Completion Status in the History File ..................................................9-3
Generating a Report..........................................................................................................9-3
Export a Report File .............................................................................................9-4
Working with Plots 10-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................10-1
About Plots .....................................................................................................................10-1
Step 1: Displaying the Data ............................................................................................10-2
Step 2: Generating a Plot ................................................................................................10-2
Using the Plot Wizard ........................................................................................10-2
Generating a Plot by Selecting Variables ...........................................................10-5
Step 3: Customizing the Appearance of a Plot ...............................................................10-6
Adding and Modifying Annotation Text ............................................................10-6
Changing Plot Properties ....................................................................................10-7
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • vii

Working with Plots.......................................................................................................10-12
Updating Plots When Results Change..............................................................10-12
Adding Data to Plots ........................................................................................10-13
Deleting Data Points and Curves from Plots ....................................................10-13
Displaying a Different Range of Data on a Plot...............................................10-14
Changing Plot Defaults.....................................................................................10-14
Printing a Plot ...................................................................................................10-15
Managing Your Files 11-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................11-1
File Formats in Aspen Properties ...................................................................................11-2
Aspen Plus Backup Files (*.bkp) .......................................................................11-2
Backup Files (*.aprbkp) .....................................................................................11-4
Cape-Open Property Package File (*.cota) ........................................................11-5
Document Files (*.aprop) ...................................................................................11-5
History Files (*.his) ............................................................................................11-6
Input Files (*.aprinp) ..........................................................................................11-6
Report Files (*.rep).............................................................................................11-7
Run Messages Files (*.cpm)...............................................................................11-7
Summary Files (*.sum).......................................................................................11-8
Template Files (*.aprt) .......................................................................................11-9
Opening Aspen Properties Files ...................................................................................11-10
Using the Favorites List....................................................................................11-11
Saving Aspen Properties Files......................................................................................11-11
Exporting Aspen Properties Files .................................................................................11-12
Types of Files You Can Export ........................................................................11-12
Importing Aspen Properties Files .................................................................................11-12
Types of Files You Can Import ........................................................................11-13
Deciding How to Save Aspen Properties Problem Definition .....................................11-13
Managing Files in a Client-Server Environment..........................................................11-14
Specifying the Working Directory on the Host Computer ...............................11-14
Saving Files ......................................................................................................11-14
Viewing and Saving the History File ...............................................................11-14
Specifying the Text Editor................................................................................11-15
Customizing Your Aspen Properties Environment 12-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................12-1
Choosing Settings for the Current Problem....................................................................12-1
Customizing Settings for All Problems ..........................................................................12-2
Using Toolbars ...................................................................................................12-2
Specifying Default Options ............................................................................................12-3
Using the General Tab........................................................................................12-4
Using the Component Data Tab .........................................................................12-5
Using the Plots Tab.............................................................................................12-8
Using the Remote Server Tab.............................................................................12-8
Using the Startup Tab .........................................................................................12-9
viii • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Using the Upward Compatibility Tab ................................................................12-9
Using the Window Menu..............................................................................................12-10
Using Workbook Mode ....................................................................................12-10
Customizing Application Template Files .....................................................................12-11
Specifying Electrolyte Chemistry 13-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................13-1
About Electrolytes Chemistry ........................................................................................13-1
Specifying Electrolyte Chemistry...................................................................................13-2
Defining Stoichiometry for Electrolyte Chemistry ............................................13-4
Defining Equilibrium Constants for Electrolyte Chemistry ...............................13-7
Property Sets 14-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................14-1
About Property Sets........................................................................................................14-1
Defining a Property Set ..................................................................................................14-2
Using the Search Dialog Box .............................................................................14-3
Specifying Phase Qualifiers................................................................................14-3
Specifying Temperature and Pressure Qualifiers ...............................................14-3
User-Defined Properties .................................................................................................14-3
Analyze Properties 15-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................15-1
About Property Analysis ................................................................................................15-1
Generating Property Analyses Interactively...................................................................15-2
Pure Component Properties ................................................................................15-2
Properties for Binary Systems ............................................................................15-4
Residue Curves ...................................................................................................15-9
Generating Property Analyses Using Forms ................................................................15-10
Creating A Property Analysis Using Forms .....................................................15-11
Pure...................................................................................................................15-12
Binary ...............................................................................................................15-12
Generic..............................................................................................................15-12
Pressure-Temperature Envelopes .....................................................................15-14
Residue Curves .................................................................................................15-15
Examining Property Analysis Results ..........................................................................15-16
References ....................................................................................................................15-16
Estimating Property Parameters 16-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................16-1
About Property Estimation .............................................................................................16-1
What Property Parameters Can Aspen Properties Estimate? .........................................16-2
Required Information for Parameter Estimation ............................................................16-6
Defining Molecular Structure Using the General Method .............................................16-6
Atoms Numbers and Types ................................................................................16-7
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • ix

Defining Molecular Structure Using Method-Specific Functional Groups....................16-7
Identifying Parameters to be Estimated..........................................................................16-8
Estimating Pure Component Parameters ..........................................................16-10
Estimating Temperature-Dependent Properties................................................16-11
Estimating Binary Parameters ..........................................................................16-12
Estimating UNIFAC Group Parameters ...........................................................16-13
Using Experimental Data to Improve Estimated Parameters ...........................16-14
Comparing Estimated Parameters to Experimental Data .................................16-17
Examining Parameter Estimation Results ........................................................16-18
Using Estimated Parameters.........................................................................................16-18
Saving Estimation Results Automatically ........................................................16-19
Not Saving Estimation Results Automatically .................................................16-19
Regressing Property Data 17-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................17-1
Setting Up a Regression .................................................................................................17-2
Selecting a Property Method ..........................................................................................17-2
Entering Supplemental Parameters.................................................................................17-3
Fitting Pure Component Data .........................................................................................17-3
Entering Pure Component Data......................................................................................17-3
Fitting Phase Equilibrium and Mixture Data..................................................................17-4
Entering Phase Equilibrium and Mixture Data...............................................................17-4
Generating Binary VLE and LLE Data ..........................................................................17-8
Entering Standard Deviations of Measurements ............................................................17-9
Plotting Experimental Data ..........................................................................................17-10
Formulating a Regression Case ....................................................................................17-10
Specifying Parameters to be Regressed............................................................17-12
Thermodynamic Consistency Test for VLE Data ........................................................17-13
Evaluating the Accuracy of Known Model Parameters ...............................................17-14
Running the Regression................................................................................................17-14
Using Regression Results .............................................................................................17-15
Examining Regression Results .........................................................................17-15
Plotting Regression Results ..............................................................................17-17
Comparing Results from Several Cases ...........................................................17-18
Retrieving Data From DETHERM and the Internet.........................................17-18
Petroleum Assays and Pseudocomponents 18-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................18-1
About ADA/PCS ............................................................................................................18-2
Creating Assays ..............................................................................................................18-2
Defining an Assay Using the Components Specifications Selection Sheet .......18-3
Defining an Assay Using the Assay/Blend Object Manager..............................18-3
Entering Assay Data .......................................................................................................18-3
Entering a Distillation Curve and Bulk Gravity Value.......................................18-3
Entering a Gravity Curve....................................................................................18-4
Entering a Molecular Weight Curve...................................................................18-5
x • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Entering Light-Ends Analysis ............................................................................18-5
Entering Petroleum Property Curves..................................................................18-6
Entering Viscosity Curves ..................................................................................18-7
Creating a Blend .............................................................................................................18-8
Defining a Blend Using the Components Specifications Selection Sheet..........18-8
Defining a Blend Using the Assay/Blend Object Manager................................18-8
Entering Blend Specifications ........................................................................................18-9
Specifying Assay Analysis Options ...............................................................................18-9
About Pseudocomponents ............................................................................................18-10
Generating Pseudocomponents.....................................................................................18-11
Defining Pseudocomponents and Entering Pseudocomponent Properties ...................18-12
Entering Basic Properties for Pseudocomponents............................................18-13
Entering Temperature-Dependent Properties for Pseudocomponents..............18-14
About Pseudocomponent Property Methods ................................................................18-15
Creating Pseudocomponent Property Methods ............................................................18-16
Modifying Petroleum Property Definitions..................................................................18-17
Defining a New Petroleum Property ............................................................................18-18
Examining ADA/PCS Results......................................................................................18-19
Examining ADA Results ..................................................................................18-19
Examining Pseudocomponent Property Results...............................................18-19
Working with Other Windows Programs 19-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................19-1
About Copying, Pasting, and OLE .................................................................................19-1
Copying and Pasting Data ..................................................................................19-2
Copying and Pasting Plots and Other Images ..................................................19-11
Creating Active Links Between Aspen Properties and Other Windows Applications.19-11
Creating Active Links Between an Aspen Properties Result and another Windows
Application .......................................................................................................19-12
Creating Active Links from a Windows Application to Aspen Properties Input
Fields ................................................................................................................19-15
Saving and Opening Files with Active Links...............................................................19-18
Saving Files with Active Links ........................................................................19-18
Opening Files with Active Links......................................................................19-19
Using the Aspen Properties ActiveX Automation Server 20-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................20-1
About the Automation Server.........................................................................................20-2
Using the Automation Server .............................................................................20-2
Viewing the Properties and Methods of Aspen Properties Objects................................20-3
Objects Exposed by Aspen Properties................................................................20-3
The Aspen Properties Tree Structure..................................................................20-5
Using the Variable Explorer to Navigate the Tree Structure..........................................20-5
Example of Using the Variable Explorer ...........................................................20-6
Navigating the Tree Structure in the Automation Interface ...........................................20-7
Example to Illustrate a Collection Object...........................................................20-7
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • xi

Dot Notation for Navigating the Tree.................................................................20-8
Data Values.....................................................................................................................20-9
Node Attributes...............................................................................................................20-9
Value-related Attributes ...................................................................................20-10
Meta-data Attributes for Records .....................................................................20-10
Attributes for Variable Nodes...........................................................................20-11
Attributes for Multi-dimensioned Variables Nodes .........................................20-11
Other Attributes ................................................................................................20-11
Physical Quantities and Units of Measure....................................................................20-11
Retrieving Units of Measure.............................................................................20-11
Converting the Units of Measure for a Value...................................................20-12
Changing the Units of Measure for the Aspen Properties Run ........................20-13
Referencing Non-Scalar Variables in the Automation Interface..................................20-14
Accessing Variables With a Single Identifier: Column Temperature Profile ..20-16
Accessing Variables with 2 Identifiers: Column Composition Profile ............20-17
Accessing Variables With 3 Identifiers: Reaction Coefficients .......................20-19
Controlling a Calculation from an Automation Client .................................................20-21
Members of Aspen Properties Classes .........................................................................20-22
Members of Classes HappLS and HappIP .......................................................20-22
Members of Class IHNode ...............................................................................20-23
Members of Class IHNodeCol .........................................................................20-25
Members of Class IHAPEngine .......................................................................20-27
Aspen Properties Excel Calculator 21-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................21-1
About Aspen Properties Excel Calculator ......................................................................21-1
Adding Aspen Properties Excel Calculator to the Excel Environment ..........................21-2
Using Aspen Properties Excel Calculator ......................................................................21-2
Setting a Property Package .................................................................................21-3
Selecting Components ........................................................................................21-4
Selecting Properties ............................................................................................21-4
Selecting Units....................................................................................................21-5
Using Properties Functions.................................................................................21-6
Aspen Properties Excel Functions..................................................................................21-8
PureComponent Constant ...................................................................................21-9
VaporPressure...................................................................................................21-10
PureProperty .....................................................................................................21-11
MixtureProperty................................................................................................21-12
Flash Calculations.........................................................................................................21-13
PVFlash ............................................................................................................21-13
PHFlash ............................................................................................................21-15
TPFlash.............................................................................................................21-16
TVFlash ............................................................................................................21-17
THFlash ............................................................................................................21-18
PVFlash3 ..........................................................................................................21-19
PHFlash3 ..........................................................................................................21-20
xii • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

TPFlash3...........................................................................................................21-21
TVFlash3 ..........................................................................................................21-22
THFlash3 ..........................................................................................................21-23
UnitsConversion ...............................................................................................21-24
Example of Using the Aspen Properties Excel Calculator ...............................21-25
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • xiii

xiv • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
About This Manual
The Aspen Properties User Guide provides step-by-step
instructions for using Aspen Properties® to build and use a
property calculation model.
The first twelve chapters describe the Aspen Properties user
interface and explains how to perform the basic tasks for creating
and running calculations. Topics include:
• Creating a calculation model
• Entering the required information, such as components and
physical property data
• Running the calculation
• Examining results
The remaining chapters contain procedures for using additional
Aspen Properties capabilities:
• Reactions and chemistry
• Estimating property parameters
• Regressing property data
• Petroleum assays and pseudocomponents
• Working with other Windows™ programs
• The Aspen Properties ActiveX® automation interface
For More Information

Online Help Aspen Properties 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 Properties help, see the
Aspen Properties User Guide, Chapter 3.
Aspen Properties application examples A suite of sample
Aspen Properties calculations illustrating specific processes is
delivered with Aspen Properties.
Aspen Engineering Suite Installation Guide This guide
provides instructions on installation of Aspen Properties and other
AES products.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide About This Manual • xv

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 Properties, tables of Aspen Physical
Property System databank parameters, group contribution method
functional groups, and other reference information. The set
comprises:
• Physical Property Methods and Models
• Physical Property Data
The Aspen Properties 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.
xvi • About This Manual Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

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
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
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide About This Manual • xvii

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 support@aspentech.com (Engineering Suite)
atmdsupport@aspentech.com (Aspen ICARUS products)
mimi.support@aspentech.com (Aspen MIMI products)
pims.support@aspentech.com (Aspen PIMS products)
aspenretail.support@aspentech.com (Aspen Retail products)
acs.support@aspentech.com (Advanced Control products)
AMS.Support@aspentech.com (Manufacturing Suite)
Gabriela.Torres@aspentech.com (Mexico)
South America info@tecnosolution.com.ar (Argentina)
tecnosp@aspentech.com (Brazil)
Europe atesupport@aspentech.com (Engineering Suite)
AMS.Support@aspentech.com (All other suites)
cimview@aspentech.com (CIMVIEW products)
Asia and Pacific atasupport@aspentech.com (Singapore: Engineering Suite)
Region SG_Support@aspentech.com (Singapore: All other suites)
atjsupport@aspentech.com (Tokyo: Engineering Suite)
TK_Support@aspentech.com (Tokyo: All other suites)
xviii • About This Manual Aspen Properties 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 Properties main window
• The Data Browser
• The Object Manager
For more information on getting help on buttons, menus and other
screen items, see Chapter 3.
The Aspen Properties Main Window

When you start Aspen Properties, the main window appears with
the Components Specification form open. You can close this form
to see the Aspen Properties main window:
You can open other windows, such as Plot windows or Data
Browser windows, from the Aspen Properties 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 Properties 11.1 User Guide The User Interface • 1-1

The parts of the Aspen Properties main window are:
Window Part Description
Titlebar Horizontal bar at top of window that displays
the problem ID.
Problem 1 is the default ID until you give the
problem a name.
Menubar Horizontal bar below the titlebar. Gives the
names of the available menus.
Toolbar Horizontal bar below the menubar. Contains
buttons that when clicked, perform
commands.
Next Button Invokes the Aspen Properties expert system.
Guides you through the steps required to
complete your problem specification.
Status Area Displays status information about the current
problem.
1-2 • The User Interface Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

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

The Data Browser is a sheet and form viewer with a hierarchical
tree view of the available calculation input, results, and objects that
have been defined.

To open the Data Browser:
• Click (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 properties
calculation
• Check the status and contents of a problem
• See what results are available
The Data Browser The content of the Data Browser window are:
Content Data Browser Content 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 an object
Prompt Area Provides information to help you make choices
or perform tasks
Go to a Different FolderEnables you to select a folder or form to display.
Up One Level Takes you up one level in the Menu Tree
Folder List Displays or hides the Menu Tree
Units 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 button Takes you to the previous input or result sheet
for 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 an object
Status button Displays any messages generated during the last
calculation related to a particular form
Next button Invokes the Aspen Properties expert system.
Guides you through the steps required to
complete your problem specification.

Displaying Forms and Use the Data Browser to view and edit the forms and sheets that
define the input and display the results for the property calculation.
Sheets in the Data
When you have a form displayed, you can view any sheet on the
Browser
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
• The Check Results button on the Control Panel, the Check
Results command from the Calculate menu, or the Check
Results button on the Calculation toolbar
• The Setup, Components, or Properties 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
Here is an example of a form, the Components Specifications
Selection form.

Status Indicators Status indicators display the completion status for the entire
calculation 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
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 performed)
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)
A form is a collection of sheets.
Using Next
Click (Next button) to move to the next input form or menu at
any point in Aspen Properties.
Use Next to:
• Guide you through the required and optional input 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

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 calculation.
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 (Next Sheet button).
To view the previous sheet, click (Previous Sheet button).

Using the Go Back
You can trace through previously viewed forms using (Go
and Go Forward
Back 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, (Go Forward button) is

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

Using the Object Manager
Every calculation object has a unique ID. When you select a folder
in the Data Browser tree that contains several calculation objects,
an Object Manager form appears in the form area of the Data
Browser. See this example:
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 calculation,
without deleting it.
Reveal Put a hidden object back into the calculation
Not all functions are available for all objects.
Deleting Objects and You can delete the following from a calculation:
Clearing Forms • A component, from the Components Specification Selection
sheet
• Other input, such as an Analysis, 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.
When you delete a component from the Components Specification
selection sheet, all references to the component on other forms are
deleted. However, on the Parameters forms, the parameter values
you entered are not deleted. You must clear the values or specify
another component.
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 Properties 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
Properties 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 the incomplete
sheets.

Using Shortcut Keys
See one of the following topics for a list of shortcut keys:
• General shortcut keys
• Editing
• Working with files
• Help
• Plotting
• Making calculations
• Viewing
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 editing:
Editing Item Shortcut Key
Copy CTRL+C
Delete DEL
Paste CTRL+V
Rename CTRL+M
Select All CTRL+A

This table shows the shortcut keys for working with files:
Shortcut Keys for
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 help:
Help Item Shortcut Key
Context Help F1
Display popup menu SHIFT+F10
What’s This Help SHIFT+F1
Shortcut Keys for This table shows the shortcut keys for plotting:
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 that you can use when making
Making Calculations calculations:
Item Shortcut Key
Check Results CTRL+F8
Connect to Engine SHIFT+F7
Reinitialize SHIFT+F5
Calculate F5
Settings CTRL+F7
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
Control Panel F6
Global Data CTRL+ALT+G
History CTRL+ALT+H
Input Summary CTRL+ALT+I
Report CTRL+ALT+R

Supplying Comments
You can write notes or keep track of information by entering
comments for particular forms. Each object has just one Comments
form that 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 Properties report.
3 Enter your comments in the Comments area of the Comments
form.
4 OK to close the Comments form.

CHAPTER 2
Creating an Aspen Properties

Problem
Overview
For help on creating an Aspen Properties Problem, see one of the
following topics:
• Creating a New Problem
• Selecting a Template
• Completing the input specifications
• About the templates
• Using the Online Examples Library
Property Calculations Using Aspen

Properties
Aspen Properties is AspenTech’s physical property data and
analysis tools. You can use Aspen Properties to prepare a complete
property package to represent an industrial process for use with
Aspen Plus® and Aspen B-JAC. It is also used to provide rigorous
physical properties for Batch Plus. In future releases of Aspen
Engineering Suite, other products such as Aspen Custom Modeler
will use Aspen Properties directly.
You can use Aspen Properties to estimate a wide range of
properties from molecular structure, regress parameters from
laboratory data, and analyze the behavior of the chemical systems
of interest. You can also use the Aspen Properties Excel Property
Calculator to develop specialized Excel applications. The Excel
Property Calculator provides rigorous thermodynamic and
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Creating an Aspen Properties Problem • 2-1
transport properties as well as phase equilibrium calculations using
data you define in Excel.
Aspen Properties allows you to perform a wide range of additional
tasks. You can:
• Interface results to spreadsheets
• Share input and results among other Windows applications
using OLE
Aspen Properties contains data, properties, built-in defaults,
reports, and other features and capabilities developed for specific
industrial applications, such as petroleum calculation. For more
information about industry-specific defaults and features, see
Selecting a Template.
The following four calculation types are available in Aspen
Properties Tools menu:
Calculation Description Use to
Type
Analysis Interactive Property Perform property analysis by
Analysis. generating tables and plots of
physical property values
Assay Data Assay data analysis/ Analyze assay data, generate
Analysis pseudocomponents pseudo components and
generation estimate their characterization
parameters.
Estimation Property constant Estimate property parameters.
estimation
Regression Data regression. Can Fit physical property model
contain property parameters required by Aspen
constant estimation and Properties to measured pure
property analysis component, VLE, LLE and
calculations. other mixture data.
Creating a New Problem

Follow these instructions to either:
• Start Aspen Properties and create a new problem Starting
Aspen Properties and Creating a New Problem
• Create a new problem when you are already in Aspen
Properties Creating a New Problem in Aspen Properties
2-2 • Creating an Aspen Properties Problem Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
Starting Aspen To start Aspen Properties and create a new problem:
Properties and 1 Start Aspen Properties from the Start Menu or by double-
Creating a New clicking the Aspen Properties icon on your desktop.
Problem 2 On the Aspen Properties Startup dialog box, click the
appropriate button to create a new problem using a Blank
Problem or a Template, then click OK.
3 If you choose a blank problem, the Aspen Properties main
window opens with the Components Specifications form and
you can begin specifying your problem.
4 If you choose a Template, follow the steps below.
5 In the New dialog box, select the type of template and the units
you wish to use, from the list. For more information on
choosing a Template, see Selecting a Template.
6 Click OK.
7 If the Connect to Engine dialog box appears, specify where the
Aspen Properties calculation engine will execute.
Creating a New To create a new problem if you are already in Aspen Properties:
Problem in Aspen 1 Save the current problem if you want to open it later.
Properties
2 From the File menu, click New.
3 A dialog box appears, asking if you want to close the current
problem before opening a new problem. Click Yes, No, or
Cancel:
If you This happens
choose
Yes The current run will be closed, and the new run will open in the
existing Aspen Properties window.
You will be given the option to save the current run before the
new run opens.
No The current run will remain active in the existing window, and a
new run will open in a second Aspen Properties window.
Cancel You will be returned to the current run.
4 In the New dialog box, select the type of Template and the
units you wish to use, from the list. For more information on
choosing a Template, see Selecting a Template.
5 Click OK.
Selecting a Template
When starting a new problem, you can start with a blank problem
or you can begin with a Template. Templates set defaults
commonly used by specific industries for:
• Units of measurement
• Default setting for Free-Water option
• Property method
• Other application-specific defaults
For information about creating your own templates, see
Customizing Application Template Files.
About the Built-In There are built-in Templates for the following applications:
Templates • Air Separation
• Chemicals
• Electrolytes
• Gas Processing
• General
• Petroleum
• Pharmaceuticals
• Specialty Chemicals
For each Template, you can select either metric or English units of
measurement as a default units set. Other units sets are also
available.
Completing Input Specifications

Follow these basic steps to complete the required and optional
input specifications:
1 Enter required input specifications on the following forms in
the Data Browser:
Forms Specify
Setup Global calculation options
Components Conventional chemical components, petroleum
assays, and pseudocomponents.
Physical Properties Methods and data to use for calculating physical
properties
2 Provide additional specifications if needed by opening the Data
Browser and using the Reactions and Setup ReportOptions
forms.
Tip: Although you can enter most specifications in any order, it is

best to use Next and let the Aspen Properties Expert System guide
you.
Completion Status for The completion status for the problem appears in the status bar.
the Problem When completing the input specifications, you see the following
status messages:
This status Means You can
message
Required Input Input specifications Use Next from the main window
Incomplete are incomplete. or Data Browser toolbars to find
out what you must specify to
complete the input specifications
and to go to forms that are
incomplete.
Required Input Required input Start the calculation or enter
Complete specifications are optional specifications.
complete.
Completion Status on The completion status for the active form or menu appears in the
Forms status bar of the Data Browser. When completing input
specifications for a new run, you see the following status
messages:
This status Means You can
message
Required Input Input specifications Use Next from the Data Browser
Incomplete for the form or toolbar to find out what you must
object are specify to complete the input
incomplete. specifications.
Input Complete Required input Enter specifications for other
specifications for forms or start the calculation.
the form or object
are complete.
Completion Status In the Data Browser menu tree, symbols indicate the input
Indicators in the Data completion status.
Browser Menu Tree
Completion Status On forms, the completion status for each individual sheet is
Indicators on Sheets displayed on the sheet tab:
Symbol Means
Input specifications for the sheet are incomplete.
Click the tab of the incomplete sheet
– or –
Use Next
Input specifications for the sheet are complete.
The required input has been entered by the user.
(blank) Input for this sheet is optional.
Completion Status for When you are on an Object Manager for an Analysis, Property data
Objects or other object, the completion status for each object appears in the
Status column.
Status message Means You can
Input Incomplete Input specifications Use Next from the Data Browser
for the object are toolbar to go to an incomplete
incomplete. form, or select an incomplete
object from the Object Manager,
and click Edit.
Input Complete Required input Use Next from the Data Browser
specifications for toolbar to go to the next step, or
the object are enter optional specifications by
complete. selecting an object from the
Object Manager and clicking Edit.
Results Present Results are present View results, make input changes,
and re-run the calculation
Input Changed Results are present, View results, make further input
the input changes, and re-run the
specifications have calculation
been changed and
the input is
complete.
About the Templates
There are built-in Templates for the following applications:
• Air Separation
• Chemicals
• Electrolytes
• Gas Processing
• General
• Petroleum
• Pharmaceuticals
About the General Use the General Template for a wide range of vapor-liquid
Template applications. The General Template defines the following units
sets. These units sets are also available in all other Templates.
Unit-Set Temp Pres Mass Mole Enthalpy Volume
Flow Flow Flow Flow
ENG F psi lb/hr lbmol/hr Btu/hr cuft/hr
MET K atm kg/hr kmol/hr cal/sec l/min
METCBAR C bar kg/hr kmol/hr MMkcal/hr cum/hr
METCKGGM C kg/sqcm kg/hr kmol/hr MMkcal/hr cum/hr
SI K n/sqm kg/sec kmol/sec watt cum/sec
SI-CBAR C bar kg/hr kmol/hr watt cum/hr
ENG is the default English units set for General Template.
METCBAR is the default metric units set for General Template.
General Template The General Template sets the following defaults.
Defaults
Specification Default
Physical property method None
Flow-basis for input Mole
General Template The General Template defines the following property sets. These
Property Sets property sets are also available in many of the other Templates.
Property Description
Set
HXDESIGN Thermal and transport properties in SI units needed by
heat exchanger design programs and ADVENT, including:
Mass vapor fraction
Mass flow rate for total, vapor, and liquid phases
Mass enthalpy for total, vapor, and liquid phases
Mass density for total, vapor, and liquid phases
Mass heat capacity for total, vapor, and liquid phases
Pseudo-critical pressure for total, vapor, and liquid phases:
Viscosity for vapor and liquid phases
Thermal conductivity for vapor and liquid phases
Average molecular weight for total, vapor, and liquid
phases
THERMAL Thermal properties, including:
Vapor and liquid phase enthalpy
Vapor and liquid phase heat capacity
Vapor and liquid phase thermal conductivity
TXPORT Transport properties, including:
Vapor and liquid phase mass density
Vapor and liquid phase viscosity
Liquid phase surface tension
VLE Vapor-liquid equilibrium component information,
including:
Component fugacity coefficient in vapor and liquid phases
Component activity coefficient in liquid phase
Pure component vapor pressure
VLLE Vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium component information,
including:
Component fugacity coefficient in each phase
Component activity coefficient in each liquid phase
Pure component vapor pressure
The Petroleum Template defines defaults commonly used in the
About the Petroleum
petroleum industry. It is also appropriate for petrochemical
Template
applications such as ethylene plants, which involve petroleum
fractions as feedstocks.
This table shows the defaults used:
Specification English Default Metric Default
Units F, psi, lb/hr, lbmol/hr, C, bar, kg/hr, kmol/hr,
MMBtu/hr, bbl/day MMkcal/hr, bbl/day
Physical property None None
method
Free water Yes Yes
Because petroleum applications encompass a wide range of boiling
fractions/ components and process conditions, this Template does
not have a default physical property method. These methods are
used most frequently:
• BK10
• CHAO-SEA
• GRAYSON
• RK-SOAVE
• PENG-ROB
• IDEAL
You should consider additional methods for various operations
within a refinery (such as ELECNRTL for sour water strippers and
amine treatment units, and UNIFAC for aromatic extraction).
Aspen Properties provides comprehensive methods for analyzing
assay data and automatically generating pseudocomponents. You
can select from five built-in pseudocomponent property methods to
characterize pseudocomponents. You can also enter curves of
petroleum properties, such as sulfur and metal contents. Aspen
Properties tracks these properties throughout the flowsheet. You
can use them in design specifications, optimization constraints, and
objective functions.
Petroleum Property Sets In Aspen Properties, many properties can be used to characterize
streams in a refinery.
The Petroleum Template includes property sets for many widely
used petroleum-related properties.
Property Set Description
CUTS-E Standard liquid volume flow of petroleum cuts at 100º F
intervals. Valuable for concise reporting of stream
composition.
CUTS-M Mass flow rate of petroleum cuts at 50º C intervals.
Valuable for concise reporting of stream composition.
D86-5 ASTM D86 temperature at 5 liquid volume %
D86-95 ASTM D86 temperature at 95 liquid volume %
GASPROPS Vapor phase properties, including:
Compressibility factor for a mixture
Actual volume flow
Standard vapor volume flow
Heat capacity ratio (CP/CV)
KINVISC Kinematic viscosity at 100°F and 212°F or 40°C and
100°C (dry basis)
LIGHT Petroleum characteristics for light distillates (dry basis),
including:
Reid vapor pressure
Flash point based on API method
Aniline point
MIDDLE Petroleum characteristics for middle distillates (dry
basis), including:
Cetane number
Flash point based on API method
Pour point based on API method
Aniline point
PETRO General petroleum properties on dry basis, including:
Standard liquid volume flow (bbl/day) and (bbl/hr)
Standard API gravity
Standard specific gravity
Watson UOP K-factor
True boiling point distillation curve
ASTM D86 distillation curve
ASTM D1160 distillation curve
TBP-5 True boiling point temperature at 5 liquid volume %
TBP-95 True boiling point temperature at 95 liquid volume %
PETRO is the default for stream results.
Petroleum Stream Report The large number of pseudocomponents and distillation curves in a
Options petroleum application can result in a lengthy stream report.
The Petroleum Template defines several stream report format
(TFF) options so you can view or print subsets of stream
information:
TFF Displays
PETRO-E State variables, stream flows, properties, distillation
curves, and component flows. Standard volume flows of
the 100°F petroleum cuts if CUTS-E property set was
selected
PETRO-M State variables, stream flows, properties, distillation
curves, component flows. Mass flows of the 50°C
petroleum cuts if CUTS-M property set was selected
PET-COMP Only component flow and total flow results
PET-CURVE Only distillation curve stream results
PET-PROP Only state variables, stream flows, properties, and flows
of petroleum cuts
About the Gas The Gas Processing Template defines defaults commonly used in
Processing Template the gas processing industry. For example, stream flows are
standard vapor volume flows in millions of standard cubic feet per
day or millions of standard cubic meters per hour.
The gas processing defaults are:
English units F, psi, lb/hr, MMscfd, MMbtu/hr, MMcuft/hr
Metric units C, bar, tonne/hr, MMscmh, MMkcal/hr, cum/hr
Physical property Peng-Robinson
method
Flow basis Mole with MMscfd or MMscmh
Stream report Mole flow with MMscfd or MMscmh
compositions
MMscfd is millions of standard cubic feet per day.
MMscmh is millions of standard cubic meters per hour.
Peng-Robinson is the default method for calculating physical
properties. For many gas processing applications, such as gas
sweetening, gas dehydration, and the Claus process, you may want
to select other physical property methods. For example, you may
want to use the ELECNRTL method together with the special
amines data package for gas sweetening.
Gas Processing Property This Template also provides property sets commonly needed in gas
Sets processing applications:
CRITICAL Pseudo critical properties, including:
Pseudo critical temperature
Pseudo critical pressure
Pseudo critical volume
GASPROPS General gas properties, including:
Compressibility factor
Actual volume flow
Standard vapor volume (MMscfd or MMscmh)
Heat Capacity Ratio (CP/CV) for mixture
TDEW Dew point temperature
About the Air Use the Air Separation Template for cryogenic air separation
Separation Template calculations. The defaults are:
English units F, psi, lb/hr, lbmol/hr, Btu/hr, cuft/hr
Metric units C, bar, kg/hr, kmol/hr, watt, cum/hr
Physical property Peng-Robinson
method
Components included O2, N2, AR
Flow basis Mole
Stream report Mole flow and mole fraction
composition
These Aspen Properties unit operation models are used extensively
in air separation calculations:
Model Description
RadFrac Rigorous distillation
MultiFrac Multiple column calculation
HeatX Rigorous heat exchange
MHeatX Cold box heat exchange
The MultiFrac model is especially useful for modeling the double-
and triple-column systems typically found in air plants. MultiFrac
solves these interlinked column systems as a single unit, without
recycle flow estimates.
Air plants are highly heat-integrated. You can specify heat streams
to model the complex heat integration between units.
Air Separation Property The air separation property sets are:
Sets Property Set Description
CRITICAL Pseudo critical properties, including:
Pseudo critical temperature
Pseudo critical pressure
Pseudo critical volume
GASPROPS General gas properties, including:
Compressibility factor
Actual volume flow
Standard vapor volume (MMscfd or MMscmh)
Heat Capacity Ratio (CP/CV) for mixture
TBUBBLE Bubble point temperature
TDEW Dew point temperature
About the Chemicals The Chemicals Template is suitable for a wide range of chemical
Template (non-electrolyte) applications. It is also appropriate for
petrochemical applications, such as MTBE production and VCM
plants, where feedstocks are defined in terms of chemical
components.
The defaults are:
Metric units C, bar, kg/hr, kmol/hr, MMkcal/hr, cum/hr
Physical property method NRTL
Flow basis Mole
Stream report composition Mole flow
The default base property method is NRTL, which has wide
application for low-pressure ideal and non-ideal chemical systems.
Aspen Properties has several additional activity coefficient models
and equations of state for modeling chemical systems. For
example, for systems containing organic acids, use NRTL-HOC,
WILS-HOC, or UNIQ-HOC methods. For chemical systems at
high pressures, use an equation-of-state method, such as RK-
ASPEN, SR-POLAR, PRWS, PRMHV2, or PSRK.
Each activity coefficient and equation-of-state model has a large
databank of binary interaction parameters suitable for modeling
chemical systems. Aspen Properties automatically retrieves and
displays these binary parameters. If the database does not have
binary parameters for a component pair, Aspen Properties can
estimate the missing binary parameters for your application .
If you have measured data for your chemical system you can use
Aspen Properties to regress model parameters. Aspen Properties
has interactive tools for analyzing the properties and vapor-liquid
equilibrium of chemical systems.
See General Template Property Sets to see the built-in property
sets, which are the same as the General Template.
About the The Electrolytes Template is used for applications that require
Electrolytes Template rigorous modeling of electrolyte species. You can use this
Template in any application where electrolytes are important.
The defaults are:
Metric units C, bar, kg/hr, kmol/hr, MMkcal/hr, cum/hr
Physical property method ELECNRTL
Components included H2O
Flow basis Mass
Stream report composition Mass flow
Stream report format Displays all electrolyte properties that are
requested in property sets
The ELECNRTL property method model is recommended for
rigorously modeling electrolyte systems.
Aspen Properties has a large built-in databank of electrolyte
reactions and interaction parameters for many electrolyte systems.
The Aspen Properties Electrolytes Wizard generates electrolytes
chemistry automatically and interactively, so you can control the
species and reactions to include in your calculation.
Electrolytes Property The built-in property sets are:
Sets
Property Set Property Description
FAPP Apparent component mole flow
FTRUE True component mole flow
LVOLFLOW Liquid volumetric flow
MASSCONC Mass concentration
MOLECONC Mole concentration
PH pH at current temperature
SOLINDEX Solubility index
TBUBBLE Bubble point temperature
VMOLFLOW Component mole flows in vapor phase
VMOLFRAC Component mole fractions in vapor phase
WXAPP Apparent component mass fraction
WAPP Apparent component mass flow
XTRUE True component mole fraction
About the Specialty The Specialty Chemicals Template is for specialty chemical
Chemicals Template applications, with or without electrolytes. You can view stream
results on a:
• Concentration basis
• Per batch basis, if you select the Batch-Operations report
option
The defaults for this Template are:
English units F, psi, lb/hr, lbmol/hr, Btu/hr, gal/hr
Metric units C, bar, kg/hr, kmol/hr, kcal/hr, l/hr
Physical property NRTL
method
Flow basis Mass
Stream report Mass flow
composition
Stream report format Displays standard properties, plus
concentration and batch stream report, if
requested. Electrolyte properties are also
displayed if an electrolyte method and
electrolyte property set are selected.
The default base property method is NRTL, which has wide
application for low-pressure ideal and non-ideal chemical systems.
Aspen Properties has additional activity coefficient models and
equations of state for modeling chemical systems.
Each activity coefficient model has a large databank of binary
interaction parameters suitable for modeling chemical systems.
Aspen Properties automatically retrieves and displays these binary
parameters. If the database does not have binary parameters for a
component pair, Aspen Properties can estimate the missing binary
parameters for your application.
If you have measured data for your chemical system, you can use
Aspen Properties to regress model parameters. Aspen Properties
has interactive tools for analyzing the properties and vapor-liquid
equilibrium of chemical systems.
If your process involves electrolytes, use the Electrolytes Wizard
to define the reactions and ionic species. The NRTL method will
be replaced by ELECNRTL, and the electrolytes database will be
used.
See Electrolytes Property Sets to see the built-in property sets,
which are the same as for the Electrolytes Template.
About the The Pharmaceuticals Template uses NRTL as the default base
Pharmaceuticals property method. You can use this method for two-liquid-phase
Template systems, or vapor and liquid systems at low pressure. This
Template reports stream composition on a mass concentration and
mass flow basis. You can also view the vapor-liquid-liquid
equilibrium for any stream and examine results on a per batch
basis, if you select the Batch-Operations report option.
The defaults for this Template are:
English units F, psi, lb/hr, lbmol/hr, Btu/hr, gal/hr
Metric units C, bar, kg/hr, kmol/hr, kcal/hr, l/hr
Physical property method NRTL
Flow basis Mass
Stream report composition Mass flow and mass concentration
Stream report format Displays standard properties, plus batch
stream report if requested
The built-in property sets are:
LVOLFLOW Liquid volumetric flow
MASSCONC Mass concentration
MOLECONC Mole concentration
VMOLFLOW Component mole flows in vapor phase
VMOLFRAC Component mole fractions in vapor
phase
MASSCONC is the default for the stream report.
Using the Online Examples Library

Aspen Properties includes a library of Examples to illustrate
typical usage of Aspen Properties.
These examples include a wide range of data regression problems,
parameter estimation, and property analysis.
Accessing the Online To access the online example library in Aspen Properties:
Example Library 1 From the File menu, click Open.
2 In the Open dialog box, click the Favorites button .
3 Click the Examples directory.
4 To view a description of a file, click the file then click the
Preview button on the Open dialog box toolbar.
5 Click the file you want to open, then click Open.
6 The input and results are then loaded. You can examine,
modify, and run the calculation.
Examining Descriptions To view a description of a file before opening it:
of Files
• Click the file then click the Preview button (button that is
furthest right) on the Open dialog box toolbar.
To view a description of an open file:
1 From the Data menu, click Setup, then click Specifications.
2 Click the Description sheet.
3 To examine available comments for forms and other objects,
click the Comments button from the toolbar of the Data
Browser.
If comments are available, the Comments button looks like this:
.
If there are no comments available, the Comments button looks
like this: .
CHAPTER 3
Using Aspen Properties Help
Overview
Aspen Properties has online Help, prompts and expert system
messages, to give you information as you use the program.
For more information on Help, see one of the following topics:
• Getting online Help
• Using the Back button
• Searching for help on a topic
• Printing help
• Linking to the AspenTech home page
• Contacting Technical Support
Getting Help
There are several ways to get help in Aspen Properties:
If you want help about Do this
A particular topic From the Help Topics dialog box, click the
Index tab.
A form or field On the Aspen Properties toolbar, click the
What’s This button then click the field or form.
A dialog box Click the Help button on the dialog box.
The item the cursor or Press F1.
mouse pointer is on
Keeping Help On Top To keep the Help window on top of any other open windows:
1 In the Help window, click the Options button or menu.
2 Point to Keep Help On Top, and then click On Top.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Using Aspen Properties Help • 3-1
Use the Back button to move back through help screens you have
Using the Back
seen. If there is no previous topic to view, the Back button is
Button
unavailable. Back keeps a complete record of all the help topics
you view. This list is cleared each time you exit help.
Searching for Help on a Topic

You can find specific information quickly by searching for it. To
search for a topic or keyword:
1 From the Help menu, click Help Topics, then From the Help
Topics dialog box, click the Index tab.
The Index dialog box appears.
2 Start typing a word or phrase to display a list of index entries
that match what you are looking for.
3 Click Display or double-click on the entry in the list.
Either the topic appears, or a dialog box containing a list of
topics appears.
Displaying Help on Dialog Boxes,

Forms and Sheets
To access online Help that gives you an overview of a dialog box,
form or sheet:
• Click the Help button on the dialog box, form or sheet.
– or –
Press F1 on the dialog box, form or sheet.
Displaying Help on Screen Elements

To access online Help on buttons, fields, commands on menus, and
similar screen elements:
• Click the What's This button on the window toolbar and then
click the element.
– or –
Select the element, then press F1.
or
3-2 • Using Aspen Properties Help Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
Getting Step by Step Help
To get help on preparing, specifying, and running calculations, and
reviewing results:
1 From the Help Topics dialog box, click the Contents tab.
2 Double-click Using Aspen Properties, then click the topic you
want.
Getting Reference Information

To obtain reference information:
• From the Help Topics dialog box, click the Contents tab, then
click the appropriate topic.
Getting Printed Information

You can:
• Print help topics
• Obtain printed Aspen Properties documentation
Printing Help To print a help topic:
1 Make sure the printer settings are correct.
To check this, Click Start, then point to Settings then Printers.
2 Display the Help topic you want to print.
3 Click the Print button.
– or –
Click the Options button, then click Print Topic.
– or –
From the File menu, click Print Topic.
Printing Popup Help To print popup help windows:
1 Click with the right mouse button on the Help window.
2 From the popup menu, click Print Topic.
Getting Printed You can print all of the Aspen Properties manuals from the
Documentation Documentation CD supplied with Aspen Properties. The manuals
are available in Adobe portable document format (.pdf).
The Aspen Properties documentation set is listed below:
Aspen Engineering Suite Installation Guide This guide is available
to provide instructions on platform and network installation of
Aspen Properties
Aspen Properties User Guide The three-volume Aspen Properties
User Guide provides step-by-step procedures for the tasks you
perform in developing and using an Aspen Properties calculation
model. This guide is task-oriented to help you accomplish the
engineering work you do.
Aspen Properties Reference Manuals The Aspen Properties
reference manuals provide detailed technical reference
information. The manuals include background information about
the unit operation models, available physical properties methods
and models, tables of Aspen Properties databank parameters,
equations, and a wide range of other reference information. The set
comprises:
• Physical Property Methods and Models
• Physical Property Data
• System Management and Customization Guide
Linking to Aspen Tech Home Page

For additional information about AspenTech products and services,
check the AspenTech World Wide Web home page on the Internet
at:
http://www.aspentech.com/
Contacting Aspen Properties

Technical Support
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
The most up-to-date contact information for your nearest support
office is also available on AspenTech’s web page at
http://support.aspentech.com/
See the preface of this manual for contact information current
when this product was released.
Improving Help
We value your comments, suggestions, and criticisms. If you
couldn’t find the Help you were looking for, needed more
assistance that the online help provided, or have any suggestions
for future improvements to our online information, we want to
know.
Please email your comments to Docs@Aspentech.com
Note: If you have a query about Aspen Properties itself and want
to email the AspenTech Support team, please email your local
Technical Support office.
CHAPTER 4
Global Information
Overview
For help on specifying and changing all types of global
information, see one of the following topics:
• About global information
• Entering global specifications
• Overriding default calculation options
• Units of measure
• Report options
About Global Information

Global information establishes defaults for an entire calculation.
Specify global information before entering any engineering
specifications for your Aspen Properties calculation.
You can override these defaults for specific objects on other
sheets. Although you can return to these forms and change entries
at any time, it is recommended that you use them before any other
forms when starting a new problem.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Global Information • 4-1

Enter global information on the Setup forms. To access the Setup
forms:
1 From the Data menu, click Setup.
2 The following table shows which form to use to enter what
information:
Use this form To
Specifications Enter global specifications
Calculation Options Specify calculations, flash convergence, and
system options, and time and errors limits
Units Sets Define units-of-measurement sets
Report Options Specify report options
All of the global information you normally need to specify is on
the Setup Specifications Global sheet. The Aspen Properties expert
system takes you to the Setup Specifications Global sheet so you
can view the defaults and change or supplement them if you want
to. For most calculations, it should not be necessary to change the
defaults on the other Setup sheets.
Entering Global Specifications

Use the Setup Specifications form to enter global specifications,
accounting report information, diagnostic messages levels, and
problem description. The following table shows the information
you can enter on each sheet:
On this sheet of Enter this information
the Specifications
form
Global Calculation title, global defaults (units of measure,
valid phases and Free-water calculations option)
Description Description of the problem
Accounting Calculation accounting information (required at
some installations)
Diagnostics Calculation history and Control Panel diagnostic
message levels
Global Sheet Use this sheet to enter a calculation title, specify default input and
output units of measurement for the calculation, and specify global
settings. The global settings include Valid Phases option for phase
equilibrium (flash) calculations, and Use of Free Water
Calculations option.
4-2 • Global Information Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Specifying the To specify the calculation title:
Calculation Title 1 From the Data menu, click Setup.
2 Select the Global sheet.
3 In the Title box, specify a brief calculation title.
You can supply additional descriptive information about the
calculation on the Setup Specification Description sheet, and on
the Comment forms available from any input sheet.
Specifying Global Units You can specify separate global input and output units sets. For
Sets more information about how to customize an existing unit set, see
Units of Measure.
This global units set Becomes the default for all
Input Data Input sheets in the calculation
Output Results Results sheets
You can change the global units set specifications at any time.
When you change the Input Data set, all new input forms you
display default to the new units set. Aspen Properties does not
change the units on forms you have already completed. When you
change the Output Results units set, all results sheets default to the
new units set after you complete a calculation.
Specifying Valid Phases Aspen Properties can perform phase equilibrium (flash)
calculations. You can specify the valid phases to be used in these
calculations. Choose from Vapor-Only, Liquid-Only, Vapor-
Liquid, and Vapor-Liquid-Liquid.
You can override the global setting locally, using the Valid Phases
box on the appropriate form.

Requesting Free Water Aspen Properties can handle the presence and decanting of water
Calculations as a second liquid phase in water-hydrocarbon systems. Free-water
calculations:
• Assume the water phase is pure
• Use special methods for calculating the solubility of water in
the organic phase
It is a common practice to use the free-water approximation to
model water-hydrocarbon systems.
To request free-water calculations globally, select the Use Free
Water Calculations check box.
You can override the global setting locally(on the appropriate
form), using the Valid Phases box to select Vapor-Liquid-Free
Water.
Description Sheet Use this sheet to enter the description for the calculation. The
description you enter on this sheet will be printed once, at the
beginning of the report. You can enter any amount of text in
uppercase and lowercase letters to document your calculation in
more detail. You can use any number of lines to enter text.
However, you cannot exceed the maximum length of each line (72
characters); the excess will be truncated.
Specifying a Calculation To specify a calculation description:
Description
2 Select the Description sheet on the Setup Specifications form.
3 Enter a description in the Description box.
Tip: You can write a description in your text editor (for example,
Notepad), and then copy and paste them onto the Description
sheet.
Accounting Sheet Use this sheet to enter calculation accounting information (required
at some installations). The accounting information includes: a user
name, an account number, a project ID, and a project name. This
information is stored for the current calculation by the Aspen
Properties Calculation Accounting System, if it is active for your
installation.
Accounting Report Accounting report information tracks the use of Aspen Properties
Information at your installation. This information may be required at some
installations.
To specify calculation accounting information:
2 Select the Accounting sheet on the Setup Specifications form.

3 In the User Name box, specify a username.
4 In the Account Number box, specify an account number.
5 In the Project ID box, specify a project ID.
6 In the Project Name box, specify a project name.
The Aspen Properties Calculation Accounting System logs this
information for the calculation, if it is active for your installation.
Diagnostic Sheet Aspen Properties writes progress and diagnostic messages to the
Control Panel and the History File during a calculation. The
default for all types of messages is level 4. You can control the
amount of diagnostic information produced, although it is
generally not necessary. It is sometimes necessary to increase the
level in order to debug user Fortran routines.
Use this sheet to override defaults for calculation history
diagnostic message levels and Control Panel message levels
printed. You can set message levels and diagnostics for input
translation, calculation and physical properties.
Specifying Global To specify global defaults for diagnostic information:
Defaults for Diagnostic
Information
2 Click the Diagnostics sheet on the Setup Specifications form.
3 Use the slider controls to adjust the message levels you want to
change. The slider on the top of each line is for the Control
Panel messages, and the slider on the bottom is for the History
File messages.
4 Click the History Options button to change the print options for
the History file. Check Insert files used in the calculation or
Sorted input if this information is desired in the History file.
Tip: You can override the global defaults locally, using the
Diagnostics sheet for property tables and other objects that perform
calculations.
Setup Calculation Options

Use the Setup Calculation Options form to override defaults for
calculation options set by Aspen Properties. Aspen Properties
provides defaults for performing property derivatives and
convergence calculations. Aspen Properties also has default time
limits. You can use this form to override these defaults.

This table shows which sheets are used for which information:
Sheet Information
Calculations Options for calculating molecular weight from
formula, bypassing Prop-Set calculations, use of
analytical derivatives and reaction stoichiometry
checking
Flash Global temperature and pressure limits, maximum
Convergence iterations, flash tolerance, extrapolation threshold for
equations of state
System Fortran error checking
Limits Calculation time and error limits
Calculations Sheet Use this sheet to specify calculation options for:
• Calculating component molecular weight from formula and the
atomic weight. Calculating Molecular Weight from Formula
This results in more accurate molecular weight than those
stored in the databanks.
• Bypassing prop-set property calculations if equilibrium
calculations (flash) fails
• Using analytical property derivatives in the calculations. By
default, analytical derivatives are used. Analytical property
derivatives are more accurate than the numerical derivatives
and can result in a much faster calculation speed. Aspen
properties provide temperature, pressure and composition
derivatives for most models. Both mole fraction and mole
number composition derivatives are available.
You can also use this sheet to specify reactions stoichiometry error
checking options.

Calculating Molecular The molecular weight is available in Aspen Properties databanks
Weight from Formula (parameter MW). However, the databank molecular weight value
may not contain enough significant figures for certain applications
for which atomic balance is important, such as reactor modeling.
Aspen Properties calculates the molecular weight for all
components from the molecular formula (parameters ATOMNO
and NOATOM) and the atomic weight. The calculated molecular
weight is more accurate than the databank molecular weight. By
default, the calculated molecular weight is used in the calculation.
To request Molecular Weight calculation from the formula:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, select the
Calculation Options form.
3 Click the Calculate Component Molecular Weight from
Formula check box.
Bypassing Prop-Set By default, Aspen Properties will not calculate the property sets if
Property Calculations a flash error occurs. If the property sets are calculated when severe
When Flash Fails flash errors occurs, the property set calculations may be unreliable,
and may cause further errors.
To request to calculate the prop-set calculations even when the
flash fails:
3 On the Calculations sheet, clear the Bypass Prop-Set Property
Calculations if Flash Failure Occurs check box. Use Analytical
property derivatives.
Checking Reaction If reactions stoichiometry (such as Reactors, Chemistry, Reaction)
Stoichiometry is specified, Aspen Properties checks the mass-balance of
stoichiometry based on the stoichiometric coefficient and
molecular weight of the components.
You can select whether Aspen Properties gives an error or a
warning during Input translation if mass imbalance occurs.
Calculation will not proceed if an error occurs during Input
translation.
See Requesting a Warning to see how to change the settings and
request a warning rather than an error.
You can also use the Mass Balance Error Tolerance box to specify
the absolute tolerance of the mass balance check. The default value
of the tolerance is 1 kg/kgmole.

The error severity depends on the Mass Balance Error Tolerance
and what checking option you specify:
Checking Option Absolute Error Error Severity
Issue Error When Mass > Tolerance Error
Imbalance Occurs
Issue Error When Mass < Tolerance and > Warning
Imbalance Occurs 0.01
Issue Warning When Mass > Tolerance Warning
Imbalance Occurs
Requesting a Warning To request a warning rather than an error to be issued when a mass
imbalance occurs:
1 On the Data menu, click Setup.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, click the
3 On the Calculations sheet, select the Issue Warning when Mass
Imbalance Occurs check box.
4 The tolerance can be changed by typing a new tolerance in the
Mass Balance Error Tolerance box.
Flash Convergence Use the Flash Convergence sheet to specify options related to
Sheet phase equilibrium (flash) calculations including:
• Upper and lower limits of temperature and pressure
• Maximum number of iterations and convergence tolerance
• Extrapolation threshold for equations of state
Specifying Temperature In certain type of phase equilibrium calculations, such as bubble
and Pressure Limits point, or dew point calculations, temperature or pressure is
calculated using an iterative procedure. The limits over which the
temperature and pressure are varied can be specified.
To specify upper and lower limits on the temperature and pressure:
3 Select the Flash Convergence sheet.
4 Use the Lower Limit and Upper Limit boxes to specify upper
and lower limits for temperature and pressure.
These limits apply globally. You cannot override them locally for
each flash calculation.
Specifying Global Flash In many cases, Aspen Properties performs phase equilibrium
Options calculations. You can specify global values for the maximum
number of iterations and the convergence tolerance to be used in
these calculations.

To specify global flash options:
4 In the Maximum Number of Iterations box, specify the default
for the maximum number of flash iterations.
5 In the Tolerance box, specify the default flash tolerance.
Specifying Extrapolation All equations of state in Aspen Properties use a root finder to
Threshold for Equations calculate the molar volume iteratively at given temperature,
of State pressure and mole fractions. Given physically meaningful
conditions, the real molar volume root can always be located by
the root finder. However, during iterative phase equilibrium
calculations, the temperature, pressure, compositions and phase
specification may be such that a real molar volume root does not
exist. Aspen Properties provides an estimate of the molar volume
that is reasonable, allowing the flash algorithm to converge to a
physically meaningful solution.
If you encounter convergence problems due to extrapolation of an
equation of state root finder, you can improve performance by
changing the extrapolation threshold. A smaller value of the
threshold makes it less likely for the extrapolation to occur.
To specify the extrapolation threshold for equations of state:
4 In the Extrapolation Threshold for Equation of State box,
specify a value for the extrapolation threshold.
System Sheet Use this sheet to override the defaults for system options that affect
FORTRAN error checking and handling.
You can override the default for printing of tracebacks when a
Fortran error occurs.
Limits Sheet Use this sheet to specify limits for:
• Maximum CPU time for a batch calculation
• Maximum number of severe errors for a batch calculation
• Maximum number of Fortran errors for a batch calculation
• Maximum number of errors and warnings printed in the
History file

Units of Measure
Use the Units Sets form to create new user-defined units sets and
to view existing units sets. A units set is a collection of units for
each dimensional quantity in Aspen Properties.
A units set defined using this form can be specified in the Input
Data or Output Results boxes on the Setup Specifications Global
Sheet or on the Units box on the toolbar of the Data Browser.
This table describes the Units-Sets form:
Use this Sheet To do this
Standard List and select an existing units set as a base for a new
units set; specify temperature, pressure, density, and
volume-related units
Thermo Specify enthalpy, entropy, heat capacity, dipole
moment, and solubility parameter units
Transport Specify transport property-related units
Selecting Units of A units set is a collection of units specifications for each
Measure dimensional quantity used in Aspen Properties. Aspen Properties
provides these basic units sets:
• International system units (SI)
• English engineering units (ENG)
• Metric engineering units (MET)
Additional built-in units sets are available, depending on which
Application Type you choose when you create a new calculation
problem.
In Aspen Properties you have complete flexibility in specifying
units of measure. You can specify units on three different levels:
Level For For input For results
sheets sheet
Global units sets Entire calculation Yes Yes
Sheet units set Individual form or Yes Yes
object
Field units Individual fields or a Yes Yes
group of fields
Viewing Units To see what units are specified by a units set:
Specifications
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, select the Units
Sets folder.
3 In the Units Sets object manager, select the units set you want
to view and click Edit.

The unit types used by Aspen Properties appear on three
sheets: Standard, Thermo, and Transport.
4 Select a sheet and view the units specifications.
You can create your own units sets on the Setup Units Set sheets.
See Defining Your Own Units Set for information.
Specifying Units Sets for You can override the global units sets for individual forms and
Forms or Objects objects, such as property table. To do this:
• On the Data Browser toolbar, use the Units box to select a units
set.
A units set specification applies to all forms for an object.

For example, if you specify a units set on the Data Browser toolbar
while the Properties Analysis sheet is active, the new units set
applies to all input forms for the property analysis table. For each
object, you can specify units set separately for input forms and
results forms.
Specifying Units Sets for You can specify units for individual fields and groups of fields on
Fields an input form. Selects units in the units fields next to the data
fields.
Changing the units for an individual data field does not convert
any value entered previously. Aspen Properties assumes you
entered the numeric value you intend to use and that you will
specify appropriate units for the value.
Defining Your Own Units To define your own units set:
Set
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, select the Units Sets form.
3 On the Units-Sets Object Manager, click New.
4 In the Create dialog box, enter an ID or accept the default ID
for the units set and click OK.
5 Click Yes or No.
6 If you select Yes, the global units of measurement for both
Input data and Output results are changed to the new units set.
7 On the Standard sheet, use the drop down arrow in the Copy
From/View box to select an existing units set as the starting
point for your new units set. Choose the units set that is closest
to the new set you are creating.
Aspen Properties fills in the units for each units type and a
dialog box appears.

The unit types you can specify are on three sheets: Standard,
Thermo, and Transport.
8 Click the appropriate sheet and go to the units type you want to
modify.
Use the drop down arrow to select the units option you want.
9 Repeat Step 7 for all units types you want to modify.
Example of Defining a 1 Create a new units set, US-1, that is identical to the ENG units
New Units Set set, except US-1 uses units of ATM for pressure and C for
temperature.
3 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click the Units Sets form.
4 In the Units-Sets Object Manager that appears, click the New
button.
5 Accept the default ID in the Create New ID dialog box (US-1).
6 Click OK. The Units-Sets Form appears with the Standard
sheet displayed.
7 Aspen Properties asks if you want to make your new units set
the global default for subsequent specifications. After you have
defined the new units set, you can specify US-1 in the Units
box in the Data Browser toolbar.
8 On the Copy From box, use the drop down arrow and select
ENG as the set to copy from. The ENG units set values appear
in the units box.
9 On the Temperature box, use the drop down arrow and select C
as the temperature.

10 On the Pressure box, use the drop down arrow and select atm
as the pressure.
Report Options
Use the Setup ReportOptions form to customize the calculation
report. See Generating a Report for more information on
generating and accessing the reports.

CHAPTER 5
Specifying Components
Overview
For help on specifying components, see one of the following
topics:
• Forms for specifying component information
• Specifying databank and non-databank components
• Adding, deleting, and changing components
• Generating electrolyte components and reactions
• Identifying solid components
• Assigning attributes for conventional and nonconventional
components
• Specifying supercritical (HENRY) components
• Specifying UNIFAC groups
• Defining component groups
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Specifying Components • 5-1

Forms for Specifying Component
Information
Use these forms to specify component information:
Form Sheet What is Specified
Specifications Selection All components used in a calculation
Petroleum Assays, blends, and pseudocomponents
Nonconventional Nonconventional components
Databanks Pure component databanks to search for
property parameters
Assay/Blend – Assays and blends.
Petro characterization Pseudo component characterization.
Pseudocomponents – Pseudocomponents data.
Attr-Comps Selection Component attributes assigned to conventional
components
Henry Components Selection Sets of supercritical components for which
Henry's law is used in activity coefficient
property methods
UNIFAC Groups Selection UNIFAC functional groups
About Databanks
Aspen Properties stores physical property parameters for a large
number of components in several databanks. In addition to the
standard Aspen Properties databanks, in-house databanks may be
available at your site.
To see the available pure component databanks, and to see or
change which databanks are active for a calculation:
1 From the Data menu, click Components.
2 On the Specifications form, click the Databanks sheet.
3 Aspen Properties searches the databanks in the order listed in
the Selected Databanks list on this sheet. The default order is
appropriate for most calculations.
4 To change the search order for databanks in this calculation,
click a databank in the Selected Databanks list, and then click
the up and down arrow keys to move the databank higher or
lower in the list.
See Changing Databanks Search Order for information about
changing search order globally.
5-2 • Specifying Components Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

5 You can choose additional databanks from the Available
Databanks list and add them to the Selected Databanks list
using the right arrow button.
6 To remove a databank from the search, in the Selected
Databanks list, click a databank then click the left arrow button
to move it to the Available Databanks list.
Contents and Use of This table shows the contents and use of the pure component
the Aspen Properties databanks included with Aspen Properties:
Databanks Databank Contents Use
PURE10 Pure component parameters Primary component databank
for mostly organic in Aspen Properties
components
AQUEOUS Pure component parameters Calculations containing
for ionic and molecular electrolytes
species in aqueous solution
SOLIDS Pure component parameters Calculations containing
for strong electrolytes, salts, electrolytes and solids
and other solids
INORGANIC Pure component parameters Solids, electrolytes, and
for inorganic and organic metallurgy applications
components
PURE856 Version of main pure For upward compatibility
component databank with previous releases of
delivered with Aspen Plus Aspen Plus
Release 8.5-6
PURE93 Version of main pure For upward compatibility
component databank with previous releases of
Release 9.3
AQU92 Version of AQUEOUS For upward compatibility
delivered with Aspen Plus with previous releases of
Release 9.2 Aspen Plus
ASPENPCD Version of main pure For upward compatibility
components databank with previous releases of
Release 8.5-6
COMBUST Pure component parameters For high temperature, gas
for combustion products, phase calculations
including free radicals
See Retrieving Parameters from Databanks for more information
on retrieving built-in components from databanks.

Specifying Components from a
Databank
You must:
• Ensure your calculation contains at least one component
• Provide Aspen Properties with a list of all the components in
the calculation
• Assign a component ID to each component. This ID will refer
to the component on all subsequent input forms, results forms,
and reports
To specify the components:
2 In the Component ID box of the Selection sheet, type an ID for
the component you want to add. Every component must have a
Component ID.
Exact match Then Aspen Properties
found in
databank?
Yes Fills in the Formula and Component name. Omit the
remaining steps.
If you choose not to retrieve data from the data bank,
delete the formula or component name with the
backspace key.
No Requires you to enter the formula or component name,
if you want to retrieve data from the databank.
To specify the Formula or Component Name yourself,
go to Step 3.
To use Find, click the Find button and go to Step 4.
3 This table shows what happens:
If you enter a Then Aspen Properties searches for
Component name or Any components that include the string in
formula any part of the component name or formula
Match only components Any components that include the string in
beginning with this string the beginning of the component name or
formula
Component class A component that is in the component class
category.
Molecular weight Components in that molecular weight range.
Boiling Point Components in that boiling point range.
CAS number Components with that Chemical Abstracts
Service registry number.

4 Use the Find dialog box to enter search criteria for your
component.
On the Name or Formula sheet, you can search for strings
contained in the name or formula of a component. Using the
Advanced sheet, any combination of these items can be entered
and used to search for a component:
If you enter a And an exact Then Aspen Properties
match is
Formula Found Fills in the Component Name. You need
to specify the Component ID if it has
not already been done. Omit the
remaining steps.
Formula Not found Displays the Find dialog box with any
partial match results displayed. See Step
4 for using the Find dialog box. Omit
the remaining steps.
Component Found Fills in the Formula. You need to
name specify the Component ID if it has not
already been done.
Component Not found Displays the Find dialog box with any
name partial match results displayed. See Step
4 for using the Find dialog box.
5 Click the Find Now button to display all of the components
with your find criteria. Then, select a component from the list
and click Add to add it to the components list. Aspen
Properties automatically assigns a component ID to the
selected components. See the Example of Using the Find
Dialog Box.
6 When you finish searching for components, click Close to
return to the Selection sheet.
You can return to the Components Specifications Selection
sheet at any time to add or delete components.

Example of Specifying In this example, the Formula and Component Name for component
Components CH4 are automatically retrieved from the databanks. Data for
components CH4 and C4H10 is retrieved from the databanks.
Component C3 is a non-databank component.
Example of Using the In this example, the advanced component Find dialog box is used
Find Dialog Box to locate a component that includes C3 in its formula and has a
boiling point between 200 and 250 K.
To do this:
1 On the Components Specifications Selection sheet, select an
empty component ID field, then click Find.
2 In the Component Name or Formula box, enter C3.
3 Select the Advanced sheet where you can also search for
components based on the chemical class, molecular weight
range, boiling point range and CAS number.
4 In the Boiling Point boxes, enter from 200 to 250 K.
5 Click Find Now.
6 Aspen Properties searches its databanks for components that
contain the characters C3 in the name or formula and have a
Boiling point between 200 and 250 K and then displays the
results in the bottom half of the window.
7 To include a component from the search results in your
calculation, select a component name from the list, and click
Add. From the Find dialog box, you can continue to select
component names and click the Add button to select multiple
components from the search results to be added to your
calculation. You can also modify your search criteria and click
Find Now again to generate new search results.

8 When finished, click Close to return to the Components
Specifications Selection sheet.
Specifying Non-Databank
Components
To define a component that is not in the databanks:
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, enter only the
Component ID.
3 If Aspen Properties finds a match in a databank for the ID you
enter, delete the Formula or Component Name. Aspen
Properties then recognizes the component as a non-databank
component.
4 You must supply all required property parameters for non-
databank components. You can supply the parameters yourself
using the Properties Data and Parameters forms.
– or –
Combine user-input parameters and data with one or both of
the following:

• Property Estimation to estimate the required parameters
from group contribution and other methods using the
Properties Estimation forms
• Data Regression to regress data to obtain the parameters
using the Properties Regression forms
Tip: Use the User Defined Component Wizard to help you enter
some of the commonly available data, such as normal boiling point
and vapor pressure data.
Using the User- You can use the User-Defined Component Wizard to define the
Defined Component properties needed for conventional, solid, and nonconventional
Wizard components. You can modify the parameters supplied at any time
by returning to the User-Defined Component Wizard or by going
to the forms where the information is saved.
Use this wizard to define components that are not in any pure
component databanks. You can define conventional components,
solid components, and nonconventional components. The wizard
also helps you enter commonly available data for the components,
such as molecular weight, normal boiling point, vapor pressure and
heat capacity data.
Opening the User- To open the User-Defined Component Wizard:
Defined Component
Wizard
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet select an empty
component ID field, then click the User-Defined button.
The User-Defined Component Wizard appears.

Defining a Conventional To define a conventional component, open the user-defined
Component component wizard then:
1 Enter the Component ID. Every component in the calculation
must have a Component ID. This ID is used to refer to the
component throughout the calculation.
2 From the Type list, click Conventional.
3 Optionally, enter a formula for the component. The formula
can identify the component in user-written property or unit
operation model (when Aspen Properties is used with Aspen
Plus) subroutines. If the formula for the component exists in an
Aspen Properties databank, a warning message appears.
4 Click Next.
5 Enter the molecular weight and normal boiling point in the
respective boxes on the Conventional Components Basic Data
dialog box.
The molecular structure, molecular weight, and normal boiling
point are the most fundamental information required in group-
contribution and corresponding-states methods used in property
estimation.
Note: Molecular weight is required in all calculations. If the

Molecular structure is later entered, the molecular weight used in
the calculation can be computed from the formula and atomic
weight.
Normal boiling point is not required per se in property
calculations, but is used to estimate many other parameters such as
critical temperature and critical pressure, if they are missing.
Normal boiling point and molecular structure are the most
important information required for property/parameter estimation.

6 Optionally enter the data shown in this table. This data can be
found later on the Properties Parameters Pure Component
USRDEF-1 form.
Physical Property Information
Specific gravity at 60°F
(SG)
Standard enthalpy of Standard enthalpy of formation of ideal gas at
formation (DHFORM) 25°C (DHFORM) is used in the enthalpy
calculation, but is not required unless the
calculation contains chemical reactions, because
DHFORM defaults to zero.
Standard Gibbs energy Enter the standard Gibbs energy of formation of
of formation ideal gas at 25°C (DGFORM) if either:
(DGFORM) • The calculation contains chemical
reactions, or
• You plan to use the RGIBBS unit
operation model in Aspen Plus with the
property package you prepare with
Aspen Properties.
7 If you want to enter additional property information, such as
molecular structure, vapor pressure or ideal gas heat capacity
data, click Next. The wizard will help you enter property data,
property parameters, and molecular structure or activate
property estimation.
8 If you clicked Next to enter additional property data, this
dialog box appears:

9 Click the buttons to enter additional properties or data.
This table provides information about the properties or data:
Type Description
Molecular Component Molecular Structure
structure Molecular structure is required in all group-contribution methods used to estimate
missing property parameters.
If you enter molecular structure, you should also request estimation of parameters by
selecting the Estimate All Missing Parameters From Molecular Structure check box.
The structure can be modified later if required, on the Properties Molecular Structure
form.
Vapor pressure Vapor pressure data used to determine the extended Antoine vapor pressure
data coefficients (PLXANT) from Property Estimation using the Data method.
If you enter vapor pressure data, you should also request estimation of parameters by
The data you enter can be modified later on the Properties Data form with the name
you defined. The data can also be used with Data Regression.
Extended Antoine Coefficients for the extended Antoine vapor pressure equation (PLXANT)
vapor pressure These parameters can be modified later on the Properties Parameters Pure Components
coefficients PLXANT-1 form.
Ideal gas heat Ideal gas heat capacity data used to determine coefficients for the ideal gas heat
capacity data capacity equation (CPIG) from Property Estimation using the Data method.
If you enter Ideal gas heat capacity data, you should also request estimation of
parameters by selecting the Estimate All Missing Parameters From Molecular Structure
check box. The data you enter can be modified later on the Properties Data form with
the name you defined.
The data can also be used with Data Regression.
Ideal gas heat Coefficients for the ideal gas heat capacity equation (CPIG)
capacity These parameters can be modified later on the Properties Parameters Pure Components
polynomial CPIG-1 form.
coefficients
10 Optionally, select the Estimate All Missing Parameters From
Molecular Structure check box.
11 Click Finish to close the wizard and return to the Components
Defining a Solid To define a solid component, open the User-Defined Component
Component wizard.
2 From the Type list, click Solid.
3 Optionally, enter a formula for the component. The formula
can be used to identify the component in user-written property
or unit operation model subroutines. If the formula for the

component exists in an Aspen Properties databank, a warning
message appears.
4 Click Next.
5 Enter the molecular weight in the Molecular Weight box. This
is required in all calculations.
If you enter the molecular structure in step 8, the molecular
weight used in the calculation can be computed from the
formula and atomic weight.
Note: Normal boiling point is not required per se in property

calculations, but is used to estimate many other parameters such as
critical temperature and critical pressure if they are missing. If you
have an experimental normal boiling point, you should enter it.
Solid enthalpy of formation of solids (DHSFRM) is used in the
enthalpy calculations, but is not required unless the calculation
contains chemical reactions, because DHSFRM defaults to zero.
6 Optionally, enter the Normal boiling point (TB), the Solid

enthalpy of formation, and the Solid Gibbs free energy of
formation. This data can be found later on the Properties
Parameters Pure Components USRDEF-1 form.
7 You must also enter the Solid Gibbs free energy of formation if
either:
• The calculation contains chemical reactions, or
• You plan to use the RGIBBS unit operation model in
Aspen Plus with the property package you prepare with
Aspen Properties.
8 If you want to enter additional property information, such as
molecular structure, solid vapor pressure data or solid heat
capacity data, click Next. The wizard will help you enter
property data, property parameters, and molecular structure or
activate property estimation.
– or –
Click Finish to accept the component and exit the wizard.
9 If you clicked Next to enter additional property data, this
dialog box appears.

10 See this table for detailed information about the additional
properties or data you can enter.
Type Description
Molecular Component Molecular Structure
structure Molecular structure is required in all group-contribution methods used to estimate
missing property parameters.
If you enter molecular structure, you should also request estimation of parameters by
selecting the Estimate All Missing Parameters From Molecular Structure check box. The
structure can be modified later on the Properties Molec-Struct form.
Vapor pressure Vapor pressure data used to determine the solid vapor pressure coefficients (PSANT)
data from Property Estimation using the Data method.
Vapor pressure is one of the most important properties required for vapor-solid or liquid-
solid equilibrium calculations. The data you enter can be modified later on the Properties
Data form with the name you defined.
If you enter vapor pressure data, you should also request estimation of parameters by
Antoine vapor Coefficients for the solid vapor pressure equation (PSANT)
pressure Vapor pressure is one of the most important properties required for vapor-solid or liquid-
coefficients solid equilibrium calculations.
These parameters can be modified later on the Properties Parameters Pure Components
PSANT-1 form.
Solid heat Solid heat capacity data used to determine coefficients for the solid heat capacity
capacity data equation (CPSPO1) from Property Estimation using the Data method. The data you enter
can be modified later on the Properties Data form with the name you defined.
If you enter solid heat capacity data, you should also request estimation of parameters by
Solid heat Coefficients for the solid heat capacity equation (CPSPO1)
capacity These parameters can be modified later on the Properties Parameters Pure Components
polynomial CPSPO1-1 form.
coefficients

11 Optionally, select the Estimate All Missing Parameters From
Molecular Structure check box.
Defining a To define a nonconventional component, open the User-Defined
Nonconventional Component wizard, then:
Component
2 Select Nonconventional from the Type list.
3 Click Next.
4 Choose Enthalpy and Density models by selecting from the
Enthalpy and Density lists respectively. The required
component attributes for the selected models are shown below
the model selections.
See Property Methods for Nonconventional Components for
more information on properties for nonconventional
components.
The nonconventional property specifications you entered are
saved under the Properties Advanced NC-Props form.
Adding a Component
To add a component to the existing component list:
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, move to the first blank
row.
3 Enter a Component ID, name or formula.
Follow the next two steps if you want to move the component
within the list.
4 Click the Reorder button to open the Reorder Components
dialog box.
5 Select the new component and move it up in the sequence with
the up arrow to the right of the components list.
Inserting a To insert a component:
Component 1 From the Data menu, click Components.
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, move to the row where
you want the new component inserted.

3 Click the right mouse button and from the menu that appears,
click Insert Row.
4 Enter a Component ID, name or formula in the new row.
Renaming a Component
To rename an existing component:
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, move to the Component
ID box for the component you want to rename.
3 Type over the existing ID.
Aspen Properties prompts you to either delete or rename the
existing component.
4 Select Rename.
The component is renamed on this form and on all other forms
where it appears. No data is lost.
If you select Delete, both the Component ID and its data is
deleted.
Exception: Parameter values you entered on the Properties

Parameters forms are not deleted. If you no longer need the
parameters, you must delete them manually.
Deleting a Component
To delete a component:
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, click the right mouse
button on the row selector for the component you want to
delete
3 Choose Delete Row from the menu that appears.
When you delete a component, all references to the component
on other sheets are automatically deleted.
Exception: Parameter values you entered on the Properties

Parameters forms are not deleted. If you no longer need the
parameters, you must delete them manually.

Reordering the Component List
To reorder the list of components on the Components
Specifications Selection sheet:
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, click the Reorder button.
3 Click the ID of the component you want to move.
4 Move the component in the appropriate direction, by clicking
the up or down arrows to the right of the list.
5 Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until all components are ordered as
desired.
6 Click Close to return to the Specifications Selection sheet that
displays the components with the new order.
Aspen Properties retains all original data and references for the
components on this and other forms.
See Changing Databanks Search Order for information on
changing the order of your databanks globally.
Generating Electrolyte Components

and Reactions
Electrolyte systems involve ionic components and reactions that
must be defined. The task of identifying appropriate liquid-phase
reactions, ionic and salt species is often very complex. You can use
the Electrolyte Wizard to generate ionic reactions and additional
components that might be formed by the reactions. You can then
add or remove the components and reactions as appropriate to
represent your process conditions.
Before opening the Electrolyte Wizard:
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, enter the component
Water (H2O). Electrolyte systems must have water present.
3 Enter the additional molecular components that define the
system. Some examples are:
System Molecular Components
Sour water system CO2, H2S, O2S (for SO2)
Brine system NACL (use Type = Conventional, do not
identifyType as Solid)
4 Click the Elec Wizard button.
5 On the Electrolytes Wizard dialog box, click Next.

Generating the List of To generate the list of required components:
Components 1 From the left pane of the Data Browser, double-click the
Components folder, then click Specifications.
2 On the Selection sheet, click the Elec Wizard button.
3 Click Next on the first Electrolyte wizard dialog box that
appears.
4 On the Base Components and Reactions Generation Option

dialog box, select the components from which you want to
generate reactions and ionic and salt species.
5 To move an individual component from the Available
Components list, click an individual component and then click
the single right arrow.
To move all components to the Selected components list, click
the double arrow.
6 Turn the other options on or off to match your preferences.
The recommended hydrogen ion type is Hydronium ion H3O+.
You may toggle this to use Hydrogen ion H+.
Select this option To
Include Salt Formation Include solid salts when new species are
generated. Default (On) is to include salts.
Include Water Include water dissociation in the list of
Dissociation Reaction generated reactions. Default (Off) is not to
include water dissociation reaction.

7 Click Next.
On the Generated Species and Reactions dialog box, Aspen
Properties displays lists of aqueous species, salts, and
reactions.
For reactions, arrows pointing in both directions mean ionic
equilibrium or salt precipitation. An arrow pointing in one
direction means complete dissociation. Generated solid salt
components are assigned component IDs with (S) to indicate
the solid type.
8 Remove any unwanted items by selecting them and clicking
Remove. Removing any species will remove all reactions
containing that species.
9 Click Next.
10 On the Calculation Approach dialog box, choose the
calculation approach and note the name of the Chemistry ID
(GLOBAL) and the Henry-Comps ID (also GLOBAL).

Choose this To have The Calculation method
approach is
True All calculated results Electrolyte reactions
displayed in terms of the solved simultaneously
actual species present with phase equilibrium
(molecular, ionic, and equations in unit
solid forms of the same operation models, when
electrolyte will each be used in e.g. Aspen Plus.
shown separately).
Apparent All forms of the same Electrolyte reactions
electrolyte show up as a solved during property
single component evaluations
The default true component approach is generally preferred for
calculation efficiency.
Both approaches give the same results.
11 Click Next to create the Chemistry and Henry-Comps forms
and go on to the Summary sheet.
The Summary dialog box summarizes the modifications made
by the Electrolyte Wizard to your properties, components,
databanks, and chemistry specifications. Review or modify the
generated specifications for Henry components or for
electrolyte reactions on the Summary dialog box.

Reviewing Generated 1 Click the Review Generated Henry-Comps List button on the
Henry Components Summary dialog box.
2 On the Henry Components Global dialog box, select
components and use the right and left arrow buttons to add or
remove from the Selected Components list.
3 Click the in the upper right corner of the dialog box when
finished to close the dialog box.
4 Note that Henry components specification can be modified
later using the Components Henry-Comps form.
Reviewing Generated To review or modify the electrolyte reactions generated by the
Electrolyte Reactions Electrolyte Wizard:
1 Click the Modify/Add Reactions button on the Summary dialog
box.
2 On the Modify/Add Reactions Global dialog box, the
Stoichiometry sheet displays the reactions, their type, and their
stoichiometry. To modify reaction stoichiometry for a reaction,
select it from the list, and click Edit. When you finish
modifying the stoichiometry, click Close.
3 Use the Equilibrium Constants sheet to enter, review, or
change the Equilibrium constants, their concentration basis, or
the temperature approach to equilibrium. To view or modify
equilibrium constant information for other reactions, select the
desired reaction from the Equilibrium Reaction list.
4 When finished, click the in the upper right corner to close
the dialog box.
Electrolyte chemistry specifications can be modified later using
the Reactions Chemistry form.
After reviewing the information on the Summary dialog box,
click Finish to save all the changes to the appropriate forms
and to return to the Components Specifications Selection sheet.
Identifying Solid Components

You must identify salts that are formed in electrolyte reactions to
be type solid. You must also identify any nonconventional solid
components, such as coal.
To identify components as solids:
2 On the Specifications Selection sheet, specify the Component
ID.

3 If the component is a databank component, specify the formula
and component name. For more information, see Specifying
Components from a Databank.
4 In the Type box, specify Solid for a conventional solid or
Nonconventional for a nonconventional solid.
Conventional Solids Conventional solids are pure materials. These solids may be
present in mixtures in phase and/or chemical equilibrium,
including electrolyte salts. For example, NaCl can be a
conventional solid precipitating from an electrolyte solution.
Conventional solids are characterized in terms of properties, such
as:
• Molecular weight
• Vapor pressure
• Critical properties
Conventional solids are present in many of the built-in databanks.
These components can be used in the property calculations and
analysis tools of Aspen Properties. In flowsheeting applications,
some conventional solids do not participate in phase equilibrium
calculations, but contribute to the enthalpy balance. These
components are called conventional inert solids.
Nonconventional Nonconventional solids are materials characterized in terms of
Solids empirical factors called component attributes. Component
attributes represent component composition by one or more
constituents.
Nonconventional solids never participate in phase or chemical
equilibrium calculations.
Examples of nonconventional solids are coal and wood pulp.
Note: Aspen Properties does not directly use nonconventional

solid components in its analysis tools. However, other applications
that use Aspen Properties, such as Aspen Plus, can make use of the
nonconventional components. When preparing the property
package for Aspen Plus, the nonconventional solids must be
defined if needed.
About Component Attributes

Component attributes represent component composition in terms
of one or more sets of constituents. For example, coal is often
characterized in terms of ultimate and proximate analyses, as well
as several other types of analysis.

You can assign component attributes to non-solid conventional
components (Type is Conventional).
The standard Aspen Properties property models and analysis tools
do not use these attributes in any calculations. But assigning
attributes lets you keep track of properties that do not affect
material and energy balance calculations. For example, you could
assign component attributes to account for the color or odor of a
component. You can use component attributes in Fortran
subroutines for property models or unit operation calculations
(when Aspen Properties is used in Aspen Plus) that you write.
The following table describes available component attributes:
Component Description Elements
Attribute
PROXANAL Proximate analysis, 1 Moisture (moisture-
weight % included basis)
2 Fixed carbon (dry basis)
3 Volatile Matter (dry basis)
4 Ash (dry basis)
ULTANAL Ultimate analysis, 1 Ash (dry basis)
weight % 2 Carbon (dry basis)
3 Hydrogen (dry basis)
4 Nitrogen (dry basis)
5 Chlorine (dry basis)
6 Sulfur (dry basis)
7 Oxygen (dry basis)
SULFANAL Forms of sulfur analysis, 1 Pyritic (dry basis)
weight % of original 2 Sulfate (dry basis)
coal 3 Organic (dry basis)
GENANAL General constituent 1 Constituent 1
analysis, weight % 2 Constituent 2
.
.
20 Constituent 20
Note: Component attributes cannot be used directly in Aspen

Properties, but can be used when Aspen Properties and its property
package is used in Aspen Plus. Component attribute values are
entered as part of the material stream definition of Aspen Plus.
Assigning Attributes To assign attributes to a conventional or conventional solid

to Conventional component:
Components 1 From the Data menu, click Components.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click Attr-Comps.

3 On the Selection sheet, choose a Component ID from the
Component list. You may select more components by listing
them below the first one.
4 Select a component attribute from the Attributes list. You may
list multiple component attributes for each component.
In most cases, the conventional components to which you assign
attributes will be solids (Type is Solid on the Components
Specifications Selection sheet).

Assigning Attributes Attributes for nonconventional components are automatically

to Nonconventional assigned when you select nonconventional enthalpy and density
Components models on the Properties Advanced NC-Props form, or use the
User Defined Components wizard with a nonconventional
component.
You can assign additional component attributes to nonconventional
components. To do this:
1 From the Data menu, select Physical Properties.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, double-click the
Advanced folder.
3 Click NC-Props.
4 Select a component from the Component list.
5 Enter the enthalpy and density model names for that
component, if this has not already been done.
The required component attributes for the selected models will
be automatically listed at the bottom of the sheet.
6 Add component attributes to the Required Component
Attributes For The Selected Models box by selecting them
from the list.


Specifying Supercritical (HENRY)
Components
In the activity-coefficient approach for computing vapor-liquid
equilibrium, Henry’s law is often used to represent the behavior of
dissolved gases or other supercritical components.
To use Henry’s law in Aspen Properties, you must define one or
more sets of supercritical (or Henry’s) components, then assign the
Henry Components ID to the property method on one of these
sheets:
• Properties Specifications Global sheet
• A Property Analysis Properties sheet
• A Data Regression Setup sheet
• A Property Analysis dialog box
Aspen Properties has built-in Henry’s law parameters for a large
number of component pairs. The solvents are water and other
organic compounds.
These parameters are used automatically on the Properties
Parameters Binary Interaction HENRY-1 form when you specify a
property method that uses Henry Components. For components
that do not have Henry’s law parameters available, you must enter
the parameters on the Properties Parameters Binary Interaction
HENRY-1 form.
Defining a Set of To define a set of Henry’s components:
Henry’s Components 1 From the Data menu, click Components.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click Henry Comps.
3 On the Henry Components Object Manager, click New.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID for a new list of
Henry Components, or accept the default ID.
5 Specify the Component IDs in Selected components list.
Select the components to include as Henry components from
the Available components list and use the right arrow button to
move them into the Selected components list. The left arrow
can be used to remove components from the Selected
components list. The double arrow can be used to move all of
the components in a list at one time.
Specifying UNIFAC Groups

Use the Components UNIFAC Groups Selection sheet to identify
UNIFAC groups or to introduce new groups. If you want to enter

UNIFAC group parameters or group-group interaction parameters,
you must assign an ID to each group. Use the group ID on the
Properties Parameters UNIFAC Group form or UNIFAC Group
Binary form to enter UNIFAC parameters.
To specify UNIFAC groups:
1 From the Data menu, choose Components.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click UNIFAC Groups.
3 On the UNIFAC Groups Selection sheet, type a name for the
group in the Group ID box. Every group needs a name that can
be referenced on other forms.
4 Select a number from the Group number list. As you scroll, a
brief description of each group appears in the description area.
5 If you want to define a new UNIFAC group, type in a number
between 4000 and 5000 in the Group number box.
Defining Component Groups

A component group consists of either a:
• List of components
• Range of components from the Components Specifications
Selection sheet
• Combination of component lists and ranges
A component may appear in more than one group.
Component groups are not used directly in Aspen Properties.
However, they are used in applications such as Aspen Plus which
can use data package prepared by Aspen Properties. Component
groups are used in Aspen Plus to:
• Plot composition and K-value profiles of groups of components
in distillation and reactor models
• Specify a list of components to be converged in a tear stream
when the remaining components are known to have zero or
constant flow rates
The properties plotted for a component group are based on the sum
of individual component properties. For example, the mole fraction
of a component group is the sum of the mole fractions of the
individual components in the group. Group molar-K values are
ratios of summed mole fractions.
The list of components to be converged is intended primarily for
use with matrix convergence methods (Broyden, Newton, and
SQP) in order to reduce the matrix size and the number of
numerical derivative perturbations.

Each component group is identified by an ID you supply. The
component group IDs that you define will be used to identify
component groups on the Aspen Plus forms.
Defining a To define a component group:
Component Group 1 From the Data menu, click Components.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click Comp-Group.
3 In the Component Group Object Manager, click New.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID for the new
Component Group or accept the default.
A component group consists of either a:
• List of components
• Range of components from the Components Specifications
Selection sheet
• Combination of component lists and ranges
5 Specify the components to be included in the component
group.
Select the components to include from the Available
components list and use the right arrow button to move them
into the Selected components list. The left arrow can be used to
remove components from the Selected components list. The
double arrows can be used to move all of the components in a
list at one time.
Alternatively, you can click the Component Range sheet, and
enter a range of components that represent your component
group.

CHAPTER 6
Physical Property Methods
Overview
Choosing the appropriate property method is often the key decision
in determining the accuracy of your calculation results. For help on
property methods, see one of the following topics:
• What is a property method
• Available property methods
• Choosing a property method
• Creating new property methods
• Specifying the global property method
• Specifying a local property method
• Defining supercritical components
• Specifying properties for the free-water phase
• Special method for K-value of water in the organic phase
• Specifying electrolyte calculations
• Modifying property methods
• Property methods for nonconventional components
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Physical Property Methods • 6-1

What Is a Property Method?
A property method is a collection of methods and models that
Aspen Properties uses to compute thermodynamic and transport
properties.
The thermodynamic properties are:
• Fugacity coefficient (K-values)
• Enthalpy
• Entropy
• Gibbs free energy
• Volume
The transport properties are:
• Viscosity
• Thermal conductivity
• Diffusion coefficient
• Surface tension
Aspen Properties includes a large number of built-in property
methods that are sufficient for most applications. However, you
can create new property methods to suit your calculation needs.
Creating New Property Methods

To create a new property method:
1 Choose an existing property method that closely matches your
desired new method.
2 Alter it according to the instructions in Modifying Property
Methods.
6-2 • Physical Property Methods Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Available Property Methods
You must select one or more Property Methods to model the
properties of specific systems in your calculation. Each property
method has a unique approach to representing K-values.
The following tables list all of the property methods available in
Aspen Properties.
You can modify these existing methods or create new methods.
For more information, see Modifying Property Methods.
Ideal Property Ideal Property Method K-Value Method
Methods
IDEAL Ideal Gas/Raoult’s law/Henry’s law
SYSOP0 Ideal Gas/Raoult’s law
Equation of State Equation-of-State Property K-Value Method
Property Methods Method
BWR-LS BWR Lee-Starling
LK-PLOCK Lee-Kesler-Plöcker
PENG-ROB Peng-Robinson
PR-BM Peng-Robinson
with Boston-Mathias alpha function
PRWS Peng-Robinson
with Wong-Sandler mixing rules
PRMHV2 Peng-Robinson
with modified Huron-Vidal mixing rules
PSRK Predictive Redlich-Kwong-Soave
RKSWS Redlich-Kwong-Soave
with Wong-Sandler mixing rules
RKSMHV2 Redlich-Kwong-Soave
with modified Huron-Vidal mixing rules
RK-ASPEN Redlich-Kwong-ASPEN
RK-SOAVE Redlich-Kwong-Soave
RKS-BM Redlich-Kwong-Soave
with Boston-Mathias alpha function
SR-POLAR Schwartzentruber-Renon
Activity Coefficient Activity Coefficient Liquid Phase Activity Vapor Phase Fugacity
Property Methods Property Method Coefficient Method Coefficient Method
B-PITZER Bromley-Pitzer Redlich-Kwong-Soave
ELECNRTL Electrolyte NRTL Redlich-Kwong
ENRTL-HF Electrolyte NRTL HF Hexamerization
model

Activity Coefficient Liquid Phase Activity Vapor Phase Fugacity
Property Method Coefficient Method Coefficient Method
ENRTL-HG Electrolyte NRTL Redlich-Kwong
NRTL NRTL Ideal gas
NRTL-HOC NRTL Hayden-O’Connell
NRTL-NTH NRTL Nothnagel
NRTL-RK NRTL Redlich-Kwong
NRTL-2 NRTL (using dataset 2) Ideal gas
PITZER Pitzer Redlich-Kwong-Soave
PITZ-HG Pitzer Redlich-Kwong-Soave
UNIFAC UNIFAC Redlich-Kwong
UNIF-DMD Dortmund-modified Redlich-Kwong-Soave
UNIFAC
UNIF-HOC UNIFAC Hayden-O’Connell
UNIF-LBY Lyngby-modified Ideal gas
UNIFAC
UNIF-LL UNIFAC for liquid-liquid Redlich-Kwong
systems
UNIQUAC UNIQUAC Ideal gas
UNIQ-HOC UNIQUAC Hayden-O’Connell
UNIQ-NTH UNIQUAC Nothnagel
UNIQ-RK UNIQUAC Redlich-Kwong
UNIQ-2 UNIQUAC (using dataset Ideal gas
2)
VANLAAR Van Laar Ideal gas
VANL-HOC Van Laar Hayden-O’Connell
VANL-NTH Van Laar Nothnagel
VANL-RK Van Laar Redlich-Kwong
VANL-2 Van Laar (using dataset 2)
Ideal gas
WILSON Wilson Ideal gas
WILS-HOC Wilson Hayden-O’Connell
WILS-NTH Wilson Nothnagel
WILS-RK Wilson Redlich-Kwong
WILS-2 Wilson (using dataset 2)Ideal gas
WILS-HF Wilson HF Hexamerization
model
WILS-GLR Wilson Ideal gas
WILS-LR Wilson Ideal gas
WILS-VOL Wilson with volume term Redlich-Kwong

Property Methods for Property Methods K-Value Method System
Special Systems for Special
Systems
AMINES Kent-Eisenberg amines H2S, CO2, in MEA,
model DEA, DIPA, DGA
solution
APISOUR API sour water model Sour water with NH3,
H2S, CO2
BK-10 Braun K-10 Petroleum
SOLIDS Ideal Gas/Raoult’s Pyrometallurgical
law/Henry’s law/solid
activity coefficients
CHAO-SEA Chao-Seader Petroleum
corresponding states model
GRAYSON Grayson-Streed Petroleum
corresponding states model
STEAM-TA ASME steam table Water/steam
correlations
STEAMNBS NBS/NRC steam table Water/steam
equation of state

Choosing a Property Method
This topic contains information about choosing the best property
method for your calculation including:
• Recommended property methods for different applications
• Guidelines for choosing a property method
• Specifying the global property method
• Specifying a local property method
Recommended See one of the following topics to see a table showing the
Property Methods for recommended property methods for a calculation of that type:
Different Applications • Oil and gas production
• Refinery
• Gas processing
• Petrochemicals
• Chemicals
• Coal processing
• Power generation
• Synthetic fuel
• Environmental
• Water and steam
• Mineral and metallurgical processes
Oil and Gas Production Application Recommended Property
Methods
Reservoir systems PR-BM, RKS-BM
Platform separation PR-BM, RKS-BM
Transportation of oil and gas by pipelinePR-BM, RKS-BM
Refinery Application Recommended Property
Methods
Low pressure applications BK10, CHAO-SEA,
(up to several atm) GRAYSON
Vacuum tower,
atmospheric crude tower
Medium pressure applications CHAO-SEA, GRAYSON,
(up to several tens of atm) PENG-ROB, RK-SOAVE
Coker main fractionator,
FCC main fractionator
Hydrogen-rich applications GRAYSON, PENG-ROB,
Reformer, Hydrofiner RK-SOAVE
Lube oil unit, De-asphalting unit PENG-ROB, RK-SOAVE

Gas Processing Application Recommended Property
Methods
Hydrocarbon separations PR-BM, RKS-BM, PENG-
Demethanizer ROB, RK-SOAVE
C3-splitter
Cryogenic gas processing PR-BM, RKS-BM, PENG-
Air separation ROB, RK-SOAVE
Gas dehydration with glycols PRWS, RKSWS, PRMHV2,
RKSMHV2, PSRK,
SR-POLAR
Acid gas absorption with PRWS, RKSWS, PRMHV2,
Methanol (RECTISOL) RKSMHV2, PSRK,
NMP (PURISOL) SR-POLAR
Acid gas absorption with ELECNRTL
Water
Ammonia
Amines
Amines + methanol (AMISOL)
Caustic
Lime
Hot carbonate
Claus process PRWS, RKSWS, PRMHV2,
RKSMHV2, PSRK,
SR-POLAR
Petrochemicals Application Recommended Property
Methods
Ethylene plant CHAO-SEA, GRAYSON
Primary fractionator
Light hydrocarbons PENG-ROB, RK-SOAVE
Separation train
Quench tower
Aromatics WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
BTX extraction and their variances
Substituted hydrocarbons PENG-ROB, RK-SOAVE
VCM plant
Acrylonitrile plant
Ether production WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
MTBE, ETBE, TAME and their variances
Ethylbenzene and styrene plants PENG-ROB, RK-SOAVE
–or–
WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
and their variances
Terephthalic acid WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
and their variances
(with dimerization in acetic acid
section)

Chemicals Application Recommended Property
Methods
Azeotropic separations WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
Alcohol separation and their variances
Carboxylic acids WILS-HOC, NRTL-HOC,
Acetic acid plant UNIQ-HOC
Phenol plant WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
and their variances
Liquid phase reactions WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
Esterification and their variances
Ammonia plant PENG-ROB, RK-SOAVE, SR-
POLAR
Fluorochemicals WILS-HF
Inorganic Chemicals ELECNRTL
Caustic
Acids
Phosphoric acid
Sulfuric acid
Nitric acid
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrofluoric acid ENRTL-HF
Coal Processing Application Recommended Property
Methods
Size reduction crushing, grinding SOLIDS
Separation and cleaning sieving, SOLIDS
cyclones, precipitation, washing
Combustion PR-BM, RKS-BM (the
combustion databank should be
used)
Acid gas absorption with PRWS, RKSWS, PRMHV2,
Acid gas absorption with ELECNRTL
Water
Ammonia
Amines
Caustic
Lime
Hot carbonate
Coal gasification and liquefaction See Synthetic Fuels table.

Power Generation Application Recommended Property
Methods
Combustion PR-BM, RKS-BM (combustion
Coal databank)
Oil
Steam cycles STEAMNBS, STEAM-TA
Compressors
Turbines
Acid gas absorption See gas processing.
Synthetic Fuel Application Recommended Property
Methods
Synthesis gas PR-BM, RKS-BM
Coal gasification PR-BM, RKS-BM
Coal liquefaction PR-BM, RKS-BM, BWR-LS
Environmental Application Recommended Property
Methods
Solvent recovery WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
and their variances
(Substituted) hydrocarbon stripping WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC
and their variances
Acid gas stripping from PRWS, RKSWS, PRMHV2,
Acid gas stripping from: ELECNRTL
Water
Ammonia
Amines
Caustic
Lime
Hot carbonate
Acids ELECNRTL
Stripping
Neutralization
Water and Steam Application Recommended Property
Methods
Steam systems STEAMNBS, STEAM–TA
Coolant

Mineral and Metallurgical Application Recommended Property
Processes Methods
Mechanical processing: SOLIDS
Crushing
Grinding
Sieving
Washing
Hydrometallurgy ELECNRTL
Mineral leaching
Pyrometallurgy SOLIDS
Smelter
Converter
Guidelines for The following diagrams show the process for choosing a property
Choosing a Property method.
Method
Non-electrolyte
*
Polar
Electrolyte
ELECNRTL
Real
PENG-ROB, RK-SOAVE,
LK-PLOCK, PR-BM,
RKS-BM
Nonpolar > 1atm
CHAO-SEA, GRAYSON,
BK10
Pseudo &
Real
Vacuum
BK10, IDEAL
Polarity Electrolyte
Real or Pseudocomponents Pressure
* See the next figure to continue.

Guidelines for Choosing
Y NRTL, UNIQUAC,
a Property Method for and their variances
Polar Non-Electrolyte
Y
Systems
N WILSON, NRTL, UNIQUAC,
P < 10 bar and their variances
Y
UNIF-LL
N
Polar,
non-electrolyte
N UNIFAC, UNIF-LBY,
UNIF-DMD
Y
SR-POLAR, PRWS,
RKSWS, PRMHV2,
P > 10 bar RKSMHV2
N
PSRK, RKSMHV2
Pressure Liquid-Liquid
Interaction parameters available
* See the next figure to continue.
Hexamers
WILS-HF
DP?
WILS-NTH, WILS-HOC
Y Dimers NRTL-NTH, NRTL-HOC
UNIQ-NTH, UNIQ-HOC
WILSON UNIF-HOC
NRTL VAP?
UNIQUAC
UNIFAC
N
WILSON, WILS-RK,
WILS-LR, WILS-GLR,
NRTL, NRTL-RK, NRTL-2
UNIQUAC, UNIQ-RK,
UNIQ-2, UNIFAC, UNIF-LL,
UNIF-LBY, UNIF-DMD
Vapor phase association
Degrees of polymerization

Specifying the Global Aspen Properties uses the global property method for all property
Property Method calculations, unless you specify a different property method for a
specific property analysis or data regression.
To specify the global property method:
1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
2 On the Global sheet, in the Property Method list box, specify
the property method.
3 You can also use the Process Type list box to help you select
an appropriate property method. In the Process Type list box,
select the type of process you want to model. Each process type
has a list of recommended property methods.
4 In the Base Method list box, select a base property method.
5 If you are using an activity coefficient property method and
want to use Henry’s law for supercritical components, specify
the Henry component list ID in the Henry Components list box.
6 If you have a petroleum application that requires free water
calculations, specify the property method for the free water
phase in the Free-Water Method list box and water solubility
option in the Water Solubility list box
7 For electrolyte applications, you must select an electrolytic
property method, then select the Chemistry ID in the Chemistry
ID list box. You can also specify the electrolyte computation
method in the Use True-Components check box. See Chapter
13 for more details on how to define the electrolyte solution
chemistry.
Specifying a Local You can override the global property method by specifying a local
Property Method property method on the Properties sheet of an analysis or on the
Setup sheet of a regression case.
The local specifications apply only to that property analysis or
regression case.
Defining Supercritical Components

Activity coefficient property methods handle supercritical
components present in the liquid phase by using the Henry’s law in
conjunction with the asymmetric convention for activity
coefficient normalization.
Equation-of-state property methods do not require special
treatment for supercritical components.

To use Henry’s law for supercritical components:
1 Select an appropriate property method. These property methods
allow Henry’s law:
B-PITZER NRTL-2 UNIQUAC VANL-2
IDEAL PITZER UNIQ-HOC WILSON
ELECNRTL PITZ-HG UNIQ-NTH WILS-HF
ENRTL-HF SOLIDS UNIQ-RK WILS-HOC
ENRTL-HG UNIFAC UNIQ-2 WILS-NTH
NRTL UNIF-DMD VANLAAR WILS-RK
NRTL-HOC UNIF-HOC VANL-HOC WILS-2
NRTL-NTH UNIF-LBY VANL-NTH WILS-GLR
NRTL-RK UNIF-LL VANL-RK WILS-LR
2 Define a Henry’s component group using the Henry Comps
forms.
3 Enter the ID of the Henry’s component group on the Properties
Specifications Global sheet.
For more information on Henry’s law, see Physical Property
Methods and Models.
Using Free Water Calculations

For water-hydrocarbon applications, two liquid phases often
coexist with a vapor phase. Aspen Properties has two approaches
for modeling these types of vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium
calculations:
• Rigorous three-phase calculations
• Calculations with a free water approximation. When you use
free water approximation, Aspen Properties assumes the water
phase is pure liquid water (free water).
Free water calculations are:
• Normally adequate for water-hydrocarbon systems, where the
hydrocarbon solubility in the water phase is generally
negligible.
• Always faster than rigorous three-phase calculations, and
require minimal physical property data.
For more information on free-water calculations. See Physical
Property Methods and Models.

Specifying Properties When you use the free water approximation, you must specify the
for the Free Water property method to be used for the free water phase. This property
Phase method calculates all thermodynamic and transport properties for
the free-water phase.
To choose a property method:
1 Go to the Properties Specifications Global sheet.
2 In the Free-Water Method list box, select one:
Property Description Merits
Method
STEAM-TA 1967 ASME steam table -
correlations (default)
STEAMNBS NBS/NRC steam table More accurate than the
correlations ASME steam table
IDEAL or For systems at low or More efficient calculations
SYSOP0 moderate pressures than STEAM-TA or
STEAMNBS
Special Method for K- The global property method is used to calculate the K-value of
Value of Water in the water unless you specify another method.
Organic Phase
In free water calculations, you can use a special method to
calculate the K-value of water in the organic phase. This method
depends on the solubility of water in the organic phase.
γ wϕ w *,l
Kw =
ϕwv
Where:
γw = Activity coefficient of water in the organic
phase, calculated from water solubility.
ϕw*,l = Fugacity coefficient of pure liquid water
calculated using the free-water phase property
method.
ϕwv = Fugacity coefficient of water in the vapor
phase.

How to Select a To select a calculation method for γw and ϕwv:
Calculation Method 1 Go to the Properties Specifications Global sheet.
2 In the Water Solubility list box, select one:
Calculates γw from Calculates ϕw from
v
Water
Solubility
Option
0 1 Free-water property method
γw = sol
xw
1 1 Primary property method
γw = sol
xw
2 1 Primary property method
γ w = f (T , xw ) where γ w = sol
when xw = xw
sol
xw
3 The K-value of water is calculated by the primary property method
Water solubility option 3 is not recommended unless binary
interaction parameters regressed from liquid-liquid equilibrium
data are available.
sol
x
Note: w is solubility of water in the organic phase, calculated
using the water-solubility correlation(WATSOL). See Aspen
Properties Physical Property Methods and Models, Chapter 3, for
descriptions of the water solubility correlation.
Specifying Electrolyte Calculations

To model an electrolyte system, you must:
• Use an electrolyte property method. ELECNRTL is
recommended. Other property methods are PITZER, B-
PITZER, ENRTL-HF, ENRTL-HG AND PITZ-HG.
• Define the solution chemistry on the Reactions Chemistry
Stoichiometry sheet.
• Select the solution chemistry ID to be used with the electrolyte
property method in the Chemistry ID list box on the Properties
• Specify either the true or apparent component calculation
approach using the Use True Components check box.
Use the Elec Wizard button on the Components Specifications
Selection sheet to open the Electrolytes Wizard, which can set up
all of these specifications for you.

Modifying Property Methods
Property methods are defined by calculation paths (routes) and
physical property equations (models), which determine how
properties are calculated.
Built-in property methods are sufficient for most applications.
However, you can modify a property method to include, for
example:
• A route that calculates liquid fugacity coefficients without the
Poynting correction
• A route that calculates liquid enthalpy without heat of mixing
• A different equation-of-state model for all vapor phase
property calculations
• A different set of parameters (for example, dataset 2) for an
activity coefficient model
• A route that calculates liquid molar volume using the Rackett
model, instead of a cubic equation of state
Modifying a Built-in You can make common modifications to a property method on the
Property Method Properties Specifications Global sheet:
2 On the Global sheet, select the property method you want to
modify in the Property method list box.
3 Check the Modify Property Models check box.
4 When prompted, enter a new name for your modified property
method and click OK. Although it is not required, it is highly
recommended that you specify a new name for the modified
property method.
You can make these modifications:
In this box To do this
Vapor EOS Select an equation of state model for all vapor phase
properties calculations
Liquid gamma Select an activity coefficient model
Data set Specify parameter data set number for the EOS or
liquid gamma model
Liquid enthalpy Select a route to calculate liquid mixture enthalpy
Liquid volume Select a route to calculate liquid mixture volume
Poynting correction Specify whether or not the Poynting correction is
used in calculating liquid fugacity coefficients.
Heat of mixing Specify whether or not heat of mixing is included in
liquid mixture enthalpy.

Making Advanced For additional and advanced modifications, use the Properties
Modifications to a Property Methods form:
Property Method 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, double-click the Property
Methods folder.
The Object Manager appears.
3 Select the Property Method you want to modify and click Edit.
– or –
To create a new property method, click New, then specify the
new property method.
4 Use the Routes sheet to specify property routes and the Models
sheet to specify property models. If you need to use both the
Routes and Models sheets, use the Routes sheet first.
About the Routes Sheet The Routes sheet displays the base property method, the properties
and route ID used to calculate each property. For convenience,
properties are categorized as follows:
• Pure thermodynamic
• Mixture thermodynamic
• Pure transport
• Mixture transport
To modify a route in the property method, select a desired route in
the Route ID box. You can also:
Click this button To do this
Create Create a new route for the selected property
Edit Modify a selected route
View View the structure of a selected route. The structure
shows exactly how the route is calculated and by
what methods and models.
The property models used by all the routes for the property method
are displayed on the Models sheet.
Warning: If you modify the Routes sheet after you have modified
the Models sheet, the changes you made on the Models sheet will
be lost. You must re-enter your changes on the Models sheet.
About the Models Sheet The Models sheet displays the property models used for
calculation of the properties in the property method. To modify a
property model, select the desired model in the Model Name
column.

This table describes the different boxes on the Models sheet:
Use this box To specify
Model name The model you want to use to calculate each
property
Data set The data set number for the parameters for the
model
For a given model:
Use this button To Get
Affected properties A list of properties affected by the model.
Models such as equation of state are used to
calculate more than one property.
Option codes Model option codes. Option codes are used to
specify special calculation options.
Warning: If you modify the Routes sheet after you have modified
the Models sheet, the changes you made on the Models sheet will
be lost. You must re-enter your changes on the Models sheet.
Property Methods for

Nonconventional Components
The only properties calculated for nonconventional components
are enthalpy and density. The following tables list the models
available. See Aspen Properties Physical Property Methods and
Models, Chapter 3, for detailed descriptions of these models.
Nonconventional This table shows the general models:
Property Models Property Model Attribute Requirements
ENTHALPY ENTHGEN GENANAL
DENSITY DNSTYGEN GENANAL
This table shows the special models for coal and coal-derived
materials:
Property Model Attribute Requirements
ENTHALPY HCOALGEN ULTANAL, PROXANAL, SULFANAL
HCJ1BOIE ULTANAL, PROXANAL, SULFANAL
HCOAL-R8 ULTANAL, PROXANAL, SULFANAL
HBOIE-R8 ULTANAL, PROXANAL, SULFANAL
DENSITY DCOALIGT ULTANAL, SULFANAL
DCHARIGT ULTANAL, SULFANAL

The tabular models for nonconventional components are:
Property Model
ENTHALPY ENTHLTAB
DENSITY DNSTYTAB
Specifying the To specify the models used to calculate physical properties for
Models for nonconventional components:
Nonconventional 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
Components
2 Double-click the Advanced folder.
3 Select the NC-Props form.
4 Select a component in the Component list box of the Property
Methods sheet.
5 Specify the models for enthalpy and density.
Aspen Properties automatically fills in the required component
attributes for the models you specified.

CHAPTER 7
Physical Property Parameters

and Data
Overview
For help on physical property parameters and data, see one of the
following topics:
• About parameters and data
• Determining property parameter requirements
• Retrieving parameters from databanks
• Entering property parameters
• Using tabular data and polynomial coefficients
• Using property data packages
About Parameters and Data

When beginning any new calculation or preparing a new property
package, it is important to check that you have correctly
represented the physical properties of your system. After you select
the property methods for a calculation, you must determine
property parameter requirements and ensure that all required
parameters are available.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Physical Property Parameters and Data • 7-1
In order to understand this topic, it is important to distinguish
between the terms Parameters and Data:
Item Definition Example
Parameters The constants used in These can be scalar constants such
the many different as molecular weight (MW) and
physical property critical temperature (TC), or they
models, or equations, can be temperature-dependent
used by Aspen property correlation parameters
Properties to predict such as the coefficients for the
physical properties extended Antoine vapor pressure
equation (PLXANT).
Data Raw experimental Vapor pressure vs. Temperature
property data that can data could be used to estimate or
be used for estimation regress the extended Antoine
or regression of parameters (PLXANT).
parameters
Determining Property Parameter

Requirements
Depending on the type of calculation, your model will require
different parameters. This topic describes the parameter
requirements for some basic property calculations, that is, for:
• Minimum parameter requirements
• Henry’s law
• Thermodynamic reference state
Most equation-of-state and activity coefficient models require
binary parameters for meaningful results. To determine parameter
requirements based on your chosen property methods, see the
Property Method Tables in Aspen Properties Physical Property
Methods and Models for each property method you select.
Minimum Parameter For most property calculations, the following parameters are
Requirements required:
Enter or For On this type of
retrieve this Properties Parameters
parameter form
MW Molecular weight Pure Component Scalar
PLXANT Extended Antoine vapor Pure Component
pressure model T-Dependent
CPIG or Ideal gas heat capacity Pure Component
CPIGDP model T-Dependent
DHVLWT or Heat of vaporization model Pure Component
DHVLDP T-Dependent
7-2 • Physical Property Parameters and Data Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
This table gives further information:
If you These parameters are Enter them on this type
required of Properties Parameters
form
Request Parameters for the water Pure Component
free-water solubility model T-Dependent
calculations (WATSOL)
Parameter If you use Henry’s law for supercritical components (or
Requirements for dissolved-gas components), Henry’s constant model parameters
Henry’s Law (HENRY) are required for all dissolved-gas components with the
solvents. You must list the supercritical components on the
Components Henry Comps Selection sheet.
Aspen Properties does not automatically designate or determine
supercritical components based on process condition and the
critical temperature of the components.
If You require these parameters
More than one solvent Henry’s constant parameters for each
is in the mixture dissolved-gas solvent pair.
Henry’s constants are Henry’s constants for the major solvents.
not available for all Henry’s constants for the minor solvents can be
solvents missing. Aspen Properties uses a rigorous
defaulting procedure when Henry’s constants are
missing for a minor solvent component.
Enter Henry’s constant model parameters on the Input sheet of the
HENRY-1 object on the Properties Parameters Binary Interaction
HENRY-1 form.
Parameter The default reference state for thermodynamic properties is the
Requirements for constituent elements in an ideal gas state at 25° C and 1 atm. To
Thermodynamic calculate enthalpies, entropies, and Gibbs free energies, Aspen
Reference State Properties uses:
• Standard heat of formation (DHFORM)
• Standard Gibbs free energy of formation (DGFORM)
For systems that do not involve chemical reaction, you may allow
DHFORM and DGFORM to default to zero.
Values of Must be available for all components
DHFORM Participating in chemical reactions
DGFORM Involved in equilibrium reactions modeled by the Aspen
Plus RGibbs reactor model
Reference State for Conventional solid components may require:
Conventional Solid
• Standard solid heat of formation (DHSFRM)
Components
• Standard solid Gibbs free energy of formation (DGSFRM)
Enter them on the Properties Parameters Pure Component Scalar
Input sheet.
Reference State for Ionic The reference state for ionic species is infinite dilution in water. To
Species calculate enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy of ions, Aspen
Properties uses:
• Standard heat of formation in water at infinite dilution
(DHAQFM)
• Standard Gibbs free energy of formation in water at infinite
dilution (DGAQFM)
See Physical Property Methods and Models, Chapters 2 and 3 for
details on enthalpy calculations.
Retrieving Parameters from

Databanks
Aspen Properties databanks contain all required parameter values
for a very large number of components. This topic explains how to
retrieve these built-in parameters from Aspen Properties
databanks:
• Pure component parameters
• Equation-of-state binary parameters
• Activity coefficient binary parameters
• Henry’s Law constants
• Electrolyte and binary pair parameters
Retrieving Pure Aspen Properties retrieves pure component parameters
Component automatically from its pure component databanks. Use the
Parameters Components Specifications Databanks sheet to specify the
databanks to search and their search order. Parameters missing
from the first selected databank will be searched for in subsequent
selected databanks.
See Entering Pure Component Constants.
Since built-in pure component databanks reside with the
calculation engine, the available parameters do not appear
automatically on any Parameters Pure Component Input sheets.
You can review these parameters by using the Review button on
the Components Specifications Selection sheet. When you click
the Review button, the Data Browser will automatically open at the
Parameters Pure Component Scalar form. All available scalar
parameters are displayed on the Review-1 form. Temperature
dependent parameters are displayed on its individual form. You
can then override the databank values with your own values.
Generating a Report of To generate a report of all available pure component parameters
Available Pure that will be used in the calculation for the components and
Component Parameters property methods specified:
1 From the Tools menu, click Retrieve Parameters Results.
2 On the Retrieve Parameter Results dialog box, click OK to
generate a report.
3 On the next Retrieve Parameter Results dialog box, click OK to
view the results.
The Data Browser automatically opens at the Properties
Parameters Results folder.
4 In the left pane of the Data Browser, choose the Pure
Component form from the Results folder.
The Parameters Results Pure Components form contains a sheet
for scalar parameters and a sheet for T-Dependent parameters. On
each sheet you can choose to view the actual parameter values, or
the status. For the status of parameter results, the following status
is possible:
Status Indicates the parameter is
Available Available in the databank, entered on the Parameters
Input sheet, estimated, or regressed
Default A system default value
Missing Missing
Retrieving Equation- For many component systems, binary parameters are available for
of-State Binary these models:
Parameters Model Parameter name
Standard Redlich-Kwong-Soave RKSKIJ
Standard Peng-Robinson PRKIJ
Lee-Kesler-Plöcker LKPKIJ
BWR-Lee-Starling BWRKV, BWRKT
Hayden-O'Connell HOCETA
Aspen Properties retrieves any databank values and uses them
automatically. Whether you enter these parameters yourself or
retrieve them from a databank, you can view them from the
appropriate Properties Parameters Binary Interaction Input sheet.
Aspen Properties creates one form for each binary parameter.
If you do not want to retrieve built-in equation-of-state binary
parameters, remove the databank name from the Selected
Databanks list on the Databanks sheet of the Properties Parameters
Binary Interaction form for your equation-of-state model. Use the
Input sheet to enter your own binary parameter values. For more
information see Entering Scalar Binary Parameters.
Retrieving Activity Aspen Properties has built-in binary parameters for a large number
Coefficient Binary of component pairs. Binary parameters are available for the
Parameters following property methods for vapor-liquid applications:
Property method Parameter name
NRTL NRTL
NRTL-HOC NRTL
NRTL-RK NRTL
UNIQUAC UNIQ
UNIQ-HOC UNIQ
UNIQ-RK UNIQ
WILSON WILSON
WILS-HOC WILSON
WILS-GLR WILSON
WILS-LR WILSON
WILS-RK WILSON
For liquid-liquid applications, binary parameters are available for
the following property methods:
Property method Parameter name
NRTL NRTL
NRTL-HOC NRTL
NRTL-RK NRTL
UNIQUAC UNIQ
UNIQ-HOC UNIQ
UNIQ-RK UNIQ
AspenTech developed these parameters using data from the
Dortmund Databank.
Whenever you select these property methods, Aspen Properties
retrieves these parameters automatically and displays them on the
Input sheet of the appropriate Properties Parameters Binary
Interaction forms. Aspen Properties creates a form for each binary
parameter. Use Help to obtain information about the quality of
each set of parameters-for example, sum of squares error and
average and maximum deviations of the fit.
If you do not want to retrieve built-in binary parameters, remove
the databank name from the Selected Databanks list on the
Databanks sheet of the Properties Parameters Binary Interaction
form. Use the Input sheet to enter your own binary parameter
values.
For more information, see Entering Temperature-Dependent
Binary Parameters.
Henry’s law constants are available for a large number of solutes in
Retrieving Henry’s
solvents. The solvents are water and many organic components.
Law Constants
AspenTech developed these parameters using data from the
Dortmund Databank.
If you use an activity coefficient property method and define a set
of Henry’s components, Aspen Properties retrieves the Henry’s
constants automatically and displays them on the Input sheet of the
Properties Parameters Binary Interaction HENRY-1 form.
If you do not want to retrieve built-in Henry’s law constants,
remove both the BINARY and HENRY databanks from the
Selected Databanks list on the Databanks sheet of the HENRY-1
form.
Retrieving Electrolyte Binary and pair parameters of the Electrolyte NRTL model are
Binary and Pair available for many industrially important electrolyte systems.
Parameters Aspen Properties retrieves the binary parameters and displays them
on the Properties Parameters Binary Interaction forms. For pair
parameters, Aspen Properties displays them on the Properties
Parameters Electrolyte Pair forms.
If you do not want to retrieve built-in parameters, remove the
databank name from the Selected Databanks list on the Databanks
sheet of the applicable form.
Entering Property Parameters

If any parameters required by your calculations are missing from
the databanks, or if you do not want to use databank values, you
can:
• Enter any parameters or data directly.
• Estimate parameters using Property Estimation.
• Regress parameters from experimental data using Data
Regression.
This section explains how to enter the following parameters
directly:
For help on entering parameters, see one of the following topics:
• Forms for entering property parameters
• How to enter property parameters
• Pure component constants
• Pure component correlation parameters
• Parameters for nonconventional components
• Scalar binary parameters
• Temperature-dependent binary parameters
• Binary parameters from Dechema
• Electrolyte pair parameters
• Ternary parameters
Forms for Entering The table below shows where to enter the different types of
Property Parameters property parameters:
Use the Input sheet of this To enter
Properties Parameters form
Pure Component Scalar Scalar pure component parameters, such as critical temperature (TC) or
molecular weight (MW)
Pure Component T-Dependent Temperature-dependent pure component property correlation parameters,
such as PLXANT for the extended Antoine vapor pressure model
Pure Component Unary parameters for nonconventional components
Nonconventional
Binary Interaction Scalar binary parameters, such as the RKSKIJ binary parameters for the
Redlich-Kwong-Soave equation-of-state model
Temperature-dependent binary parameters (that is, parameters defined
with more than one element) such as the NRTL binary parameters or
Henry’s law constants
Electrolyte Pair Electrolyte-molecule and electrolyte-electrolyte pair parameters required
by the electrolyte NRTL model, such as the GMELCC parameters
Electrolyte Ternary Electrolyte ternary parameters required by the Pitzer model, such as the
cation1-cation2-common anion parameters and anion1-anion2-common
cation parameters (GMPTPS)
UNIFAC Group Area and volume parameters for the UNIFAC functional groups
UNIFAC Group Binary Scalar group-group interaction parameters for the original UNIFAC
model (GMUFB)
T-Dependent group-group interaction parameters for the modified
UNIFAC models, such as the Dortmund-modified UNIFAC and the
Lyngby-modified UNIFAC models
How to Enter The general procedure for entering all property parameters is as
Property Parameters follows:
To enter property parameters:
Parameters folder.
3 Click the folder for the type of parameters you want to enter
(Pure Component, Binary Interaction, Electrolyte Pair,
Electrolyte Ternary, UNIFAC Group, or UNIFAC Group
Binary).
Aspen Properties automatically creates parameter sets for any
binary interaction, electrolyte pair, and parameters required by
the property methods specified on the Properties Specifications
form. The Object Manager for the appropriate parameter type
displays the IDs for these parameter sets.
4 On the Object Manager for the parameter type you choose, you
can
• Enter values for an existing parameter set by selecting the
parameter and clicking Edit.
– or –
• Create a new parameter set. In the Object Manager, click
New. If prompted, select the appropriate parameter type
and parameter name, and click OK.
5 Use the Parameter input sheet to:
• Enter values for parameters that are not in the Aspen
Properties databanks
• Override defaults or databank values by entering your own
values
You can enter parameter values in any units. After you specify
a parameter name, Aspen Properties automatically fills in the
default units.
If you change the units of measurement for the parameter after
you enter the parameter value, Aspen Properties does not
convert the displayed value.
Tip: When defining non-databank components using the

Components Specifications Selection sheet, you can use the User
Defined Components Wizard. The wizard guides you through
entering the basic pure component parameters required.
Entering Pure To enter pure component constants:

Component 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
Constants
Parameters folder.
3 Click the Pure Component folder.
4 In the Parameters Pure Component Object Manager, you can
create new parameter IDs, or modify existing IDs.
5 To create a new parameter set, on the Object Manager click
New.
6 In the New Pure Component Parameters dialog box, the default
parameter type is Scalar. Enter an ID or accept the default ID
and click OK.
7 To modify an existing parameter ID, on the Object Manager
select the name of the parameter set, and click Edit.
8 On the Input sheet for pure component scalar parameters,
define the matrix of components and parameters for which you
are entering data values, and specify the appropriate units.
Example of Entering Pure Enter critical temperature (TC) and critical pressure (PC) of
Component Constants 410.2 K and 40.7 atm for component C1. Enter critical pressure of
36.2 atm for component C2.
Entering Pure To enter coefficients for temperature-dependent pure component

Component property correlations:
Correlation 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
Parameters
Parameters folder.
New.
6 In the New Pure Component Parameters dialog box, select T-
dependent correlation, and choose the appropriate parameter
name from the list.
7 Click OK.
9 On the Input sheet, specify the components for which you have
parameter values.
10 Specify the appropriate units and enter the coefficients of the
parameter as sequential elements. For a more detailed
description of models and parameters, see Physical Property
Methods and Models, Chapter 3.
You cannot enter more than one set of values for the same
parameter on the same form.
Example of Entering Ideal For component CLP, enter the coefficients for the Ideal Gas Heat
Gas Heat Capacity Capacity Polynomial model (CPIG):
Coefficients
CP IG = –2001.2 + 358.9T – 0.515T2 + 4.41 x 10–4T3 –1.58 x 10–7 T4
CPIG has units of J/kmol-K. T is in units of K.
Entering Parameters To enter parameter values for nonconventional components:

for Nonconventional 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
Components
Parameters folder.
New.
6 In the New Pure Component Parameters dialog box, select
Nonconventional.
7 Enter an ID or accept the default ID, then click OK.
9 On the Input sheet, choose a parameter from the Parameter list.
10 Enter components, parameters, and units.
When you use the general enthalpy and density models shown in
the Nonconventional Property Models table, Aspen Properties
requires at least the first element of the heat capacity polynomial
(HCGEN) and density polynomial (DENGEN), for each
constituent of each nonconventional component. The heat of
formation (DHFGEN) is required when reactions occur involving
nonconventional components.
Alternatively, you can enter tabular data directly. Polynomial
TABPOLY models are not available for nonconventional
components.
Property Model
ENTHALPY ENTHLTAB
DENSITY DNSTYTAB
For more information on using tabular data, see Using Tabular
Data and Polynomial Coefficients.
Entering Scalar To enter scalar binary parameters:
Binary Parameters 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
Parameters folder.
3 Click the Binary Interaction folder to open the Object Manager
containing the binary parameter sets used by your specified
property methods.
4 On the Object Manager, select the scalar parameter of interest
and click Edit.
5 Define the ij matrix of components for which you are entering
binary parameter values.
6 Enter the parameter values.
Example for Entering Binary parameters for the Redlich-Kwong-Soave equation of state,
Redlich-Kwong-Soave RKSKIJ, are symmetric (that is, kij = kji). Enter the following
Binary Parameters values for the binary parameters in the three-component system
C1-C2-C3:
Component Pair RKSKIJ
C1-C2 0.097
C1-C3 0
C2-C3 0.018
Note: You will not see the RKSKIJ-1 parameter in the Binary
Interaction Object Manager unless you have previously chosen the
RK-SOAVE property method.
Entering To enter temperature-dependent binary parameters:
Temperature- 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
Dependent Binary
Parameters 2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, double-click the
Parameters folder.
property methods.
4 On the Object Manager, select the temperature-dependent
parameter of interest and click Edit.
5 On the Input sheet, enter component pairs in the Component i
and Component j boxes.
6 Specify the units for the binary parameters.
7 Enter the coefficients of the parameters as sequential elements
for each component pair.
Entering Binary The DECHEMA Chemistry Data Series contains a large number of
Parameters from binary parameters for the Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC models.
DECHEMA These binary parameters are not compatible with the form of the
equations used in Aspen Properties. However, you can enter them
directly, without any conversion, using the Dechema button on the
Properties Parameters Binary Interaction Input sheet for
temperature dependent parameters.
To enter binary parameters from DECHEMA:
Parameters folder.
property methods.
4 On the Object Manager, select NRTL-1, WILSON-1, or
UNIQ-1 and choose Edit.
5 On the Input sheet, enter component pairs in the Component i
and Component j boxes.
6 With the appropriate component pair selected, click the
Dechema button.
7 In the Dechema Binary Parameters dialog box, enter the binary
parameter values. You can also specify whether the parameters
came from the VLE or LLE collection.
8 Click OK.
Aspen Properties converts the binary parameters you enter and
displays the converted values on the Input sheet.
Aspen Properties databanks contain both parameters developed
by Aspen Technology, Inc. and those obtained from the
DECHEMA Chemistry Data Series (databank name = VLE-
LIT). You will seldom need to enter binary parameters from
the DECHEMA Chemistry Data Series.
Example of Entering Enter the following binary parameters for ethanol (i) and water (j),
NRTL Binary Parameters as reported in the DECHEMA Chemistry Data Series, Vol. I, Part
from DECHEMA 1A, p. 129:
aij = -517.9603 cal/mol
aji = 1459.309 cal/mol
αij = 0.0878
Estimating Binary You can request the estimation of missing binary parameters for
Parameters for the Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC models, using the Properties
Activity Coefficient Parameters Binary Interaction form. The UNIFAC group
Models contribution method will be used. For convenience, Aspen
Properties provides this capability in addition to the Property
Constant Estimation System (PCES).
To estimate binary parameters:
1 Go to the Properties Parameters Binary Interaction Object
Manager.
2 Select the WILSON-1, NRTL-1 or UNIQ-1 binary parameter
form of interest and choose Edit.
3 On the Input sheet, check the Estimate All Missing Parameters
by UNIFAC check box.
Entering Electrolyte Use the Properties Parameters Electrolyte Pair form to enter values
Pair Parameters for molecule-electrolyte and electrolyte-electrolyte pair parameters
for the Electrolyte NRTL model.
To enter electrolyte pair parameters:
Parameters folder.
3 Click the Electrolyte Pair folder.
4 On the Electrolyte Pair Object Manager, select a parameter
name, and click Edit.
5 On the Input sheet, define the molecule-electrolyte or
electrolyte-electrolyte pairs for which you are entering values.
6 Enter the parameter values for the specified pairs.
Example of Entering Enter the following electrolyte NRTL pair parameters (GMELCC)
Electrolyte NRTL Pair for the brine system:
Parameters
τH2O,Na+ Cl- = 8.572
τNa+ Cl-,H2O = -4.435

NaCl dissociates completely into Na+ and Cl-.
Entering Ternary Use the Properties Parameters Electrolyte Ternary form to enter
Parameters values for the Pitzer ternary parameters when using the Pitzer
electrolyte activity coefficient model.
For example, you can enter cation1-cation2-common anion
parameters and anion1-anion2-common cation parameters
(GMPTPS).
To enter electrolyte ternary parameters:
Parameters folder.
3 Click the Electrolyte Ternary folder.
4 In the Electrolyte Ternary Object Manager, you can create new
parameter IDs, or modify existing IDs.
New.
6 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID in the Enter ID
box, or accept the default ID.
7 Click OK.
9 Select an electrolyte ternary parameter from the Parameter list.
10 With Cation selected in the View list, enter the cation1-
cation2-common anion parameters by listing two cations, the
common aion(s), and the respective parameter values. Enter all
cation1-cation2-common anion parameters with the Cation
view selected.
11 Select Anion from the View list.
12 Enter the anion1-anion2-common cation parameters by listing
two anions, the common cation(s), and the respective
parameter values. With the Anion view selected, continue to
list all anion1-anion2-common cation parameters.
For more information on using the electrolyte features with Aspen
Properties, see Generating Electrolyte Components and Reactions.
Example of Entering Enter the following Pitzer ternary parameters (GMPTPS) for the
Electrolyte Pitzer Ternary NaCl/CaSO4 system:
Parameters
i j k ψijk
Na+ Ca+2 Cl -0.014
Na+ Ca+2 SO4-2 -0.023
Cl SO4-2 Na+ 0.0014
Cl SO4-2 Ca+2 0.0
Cation view
Anion view
Using Tabular Data and Polynomial

Coefficients
In addition to the standard Aspen Properties physical property
methods and models, you can represent some properties through:
• Direct use and interpolation of user-supplied tabular data
• Calculation from a general polynomial model
For help on using tabular data and polynomial coefficients, see one
of the following:
• Tabpoly properties
• How Aspen Properties uses tabular data and polynomial
coefficients
• Entering tabular data
• Entering polynomial coefficients for general polynomial model
• Adjusting reference states for tabular data and polynomials
• Adjusting tabular data or polynomials for the effect of pressure
This table shows the Tabpoly properties and the model form used
Tabpoly Properties
to represent the property. The polynomial model is of the form:
a5 a6 a
Property(Normal or Logarithmic) = a 1 + a 2 T + a 3 T 2 + a 4 T 3 + + 2 + 7 + a 8 lnT
T T T
Property Model Form †
Density for nonconventional components Normal
Enthalpy for nonconventional components Normal
Enthalpy of fusion Normal
Enthalpy of sublimation Normal
Enthalpy of vaporization Normal
Henry’s constant Logarithmic
Ideal gas enthalpy Normal
Ideal gas heat capacity Normal
Liquid diffusion coefficient Normal
Liquid enthalpy Normal
Liquid enthalpy departure Normal
Liquid entropy Normal
Liquid entropy departure Normal
Liquid fugacity coefficient for a component in Logarithmic
a mixture
Liquid Gibbs free energy Normal
Liquid Gibbs free energy departure Normal
Liquid heat capacity Normal
Liquid-Liquid K-value Logarithmic
Liquid thermal conductivity Normal
Liquid viscosity Logarithmic
Liquid volume Normal
Pure component liquid fugacity coefficient Logarithmic
Pure component vapor fugacity coefficient Logarithmic
Solid enthalpy Normal
Solid enthalpy departure Normal
Solid entropy Normal
Solid entropy departure Normal
Solid fugacity coefficient Logarithmic
Solid Gibbs free energy Normal
Solid Gibbs free energy departure Normal
Solid heat capacity Normal
Solid thermal conductivity Normal
Solid vapor pressure Logarithmic
Solid volume Normal
Surface tension Normal
Property Model Form †
Vapor diffusion coefficient Normal
Vapor enthalpy Normal
Vapor enthalpy departure Normal
Vapor entropy Normal
Vapor entropy departure Normal
Vapor fugacity coefficient for a component in Logarithmic
a mixture
Vapor Gibbs free energy Normal
Vapor Gibbs free energy departure Normal
Vapor heat capacity Normal
Vapor-Liquid K-value Logarithmic
Vapor pressure Logarithmic
Vapor thermal conductivity Normal
Vapor viscosity Normal
Vapor volume Normal
† If the model form is logarithmic, the tabular model uses the
logarithmic transformation of the property to interpolate and
extrapolate. The polynomial model is the logarithmic form of the
equation.
How Aspen Aspen Properties calculates the property for the pure component,
Properties Uses using the tabular data and polynomial coefficients you enter. If you
Tabular Data and do not provide data for all components, Aspen Properties uses the
Polynomial property models of the ideal property method (IDEAL), for the
Coefficients components without data. For most properties, Aspen Properties
calculates mixture properties using mole fraction average ideal
mixing.
Property mixture = ∑x i Property i
Aspen Properties uses your tabular data directly - it does not fit a
polynomial equation to the data. When necessary, Aspen
Properties uses a quadratic interpolation method to determine the
property value at a given temperature. You should provide tabular
data at small temperature intervals to ensure accuracy.
When the temperature is outside the lowest or highest temperature
of the data that you entered, Aspen Properties calculates the
property by linear extrapolation. If the model form of the property
is logarithmic, Aspen Properties uses the logarithmic
transformation of the property to interpolate and extrapolate. For
polynomial models when temperature is outside the lower and
upper limits of the correlation, Aspen Properties also calculates the
property by linear extrapolation.
Aspen Properties can automatically generate entropy and Gibbs
free energy data from the enthalpy or heat capacity data that you
enter.
If you enter Then
Enthalpy or heat capacity data You can use the Data Generation
Options on the Specifications sheet to
generate entropy and Gibbs free
energy.
Vapor enthalpy data Also enter ideal gas enthalpy data to
ensure consistency.
Enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free Make sure they are consistent (G = H
energy data – TS).
To enter experimental data for use with Property Estimation or
Data Regression, use the Properties Data forms.
Entering Tabular Data To enter tabular data:
2 From the left pane of the Data Browser, go to the Properties
Advanced Tabpoly Object Manager.
3 Click New to create a new object.
4 Enter an ID or accept the default ID, and then click OK.
5 On the Specifications sheet, choose the property for which you
are entering data in the Property list. You can enter data for
only one property on each Tabpoly form. Use as many forms as
needed to enter your data.
6 In the For Property Method list, choose the property method
for which the Tabpoly property is to be used. Specify All to use
the data for all property methods in the calculation.
7 On the Data sheet, choose the component for which you have
data, from the Component list box.
8 Select data type tabular Data, then enter the tabular data
(property versus temperature) for the component.
You must enter the temperature-dependent tabular data in order
of ascending temperature points. Aspen Properties determines
the units for the temperature and the property data from the
Units-Set you specify in the Units list box on the Data Browser
toolbar.
Example of Entering This example assumes that the Units list box on the Data Browser
Vapor Pressure Data for toolbar is referencing a new Units-Set defined with temperature
Component CLP units of C and pressure units of mmHg.
Enter the following tabular data:
Vapor pressure (mmHg) Temperature (C)
70 0
177 20
390 40
760 59.4
2358 100
8200 160
Entering Polynomial To enter polynomial coefficients for a general polynomial model:
Coefficients for the 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
General Polynomial 2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, double-click the
Model Advanced folder.
3 Click the Tabpoly folder.
4 On the Tabpoly Object Manager, click New to create a new
object.
5 Enter an ID or accept the default ID, and then click OK.
6 On the Specifications sheet, specify the property for which you
are entering polynomial coefficients in the Property list box.
You can enter polynomial coefficients for only one property on
each form. Use as many forms as needed to enter your
coefficients.
7 In the For Property Method list box, choose the property
method for which the Tabpoly property is to be used. Specify
All to use the data for all property methods in the calculation.
8 On the Data sheet, choose the component for which you have
coefficients, from the Component list.
9 Select the data type: Polynomial Coefficient, then enter the
general polynomial coefficients for the selected component.
The polynomial model is of the form:
a5 a6 a
Property(Normal or Logarithmic) = a 1 + a 2 T + a 3 T 2 + a 4 T 3 + + 2 + 7 + a 8 lnT
T T T
See Tabpoly Properties to determine whether the property you
want to enter uses the normal or logarithmic form.
The coefficients a2 through a8 default to zero. The lower
temperature limit of the correlation (Min. temperature) defaults
to 0 K. The upper temperature limit (Max. temperature)
defaults to 1000 K. When the temperature is outside the limits,
Aspen Properties calculates the property by linear
extrapolation.
The Units-Set you specify in the Units list box on the Data
Browser toolbar determines the units for the coefficients. If a5,
a6, a7, or a8 is non-zero, Aspen Properties assumes absolute
temperature units for all coefficients.
Aspen Properties can adjust the reference state of the enthalpy,
Adjusting Reference
entropy, and Gibbs free energy data that you entered. To specify
States for Tabular
Data and Polynomials this:
1 On the Tabpoly Specifications sheet, deselect the Do Not
Adjust Reference State check box for your Tabular data or your
Polynomial data.
2 Specify the basis (Mole or Mass) for your reference value and
for the data, in the Basis list box.
3 On the Reference Points sheet, select the component for which
you want to adjust the reference state, in the Component list
box.
4 In the Reference Points boxes enter a reference Temperature
and a reference value for Enthalpy, Entropy, or Gibbs free
energy.
5 If you want to enter reference values and have Aspen
Properties generate entropy and Gibbs free energy data from
the enthalpy or heat capacity data that you enter, you must
enter reference values for two of the three properties. The
reference values must be at the same temperature.
6 To use the Aspen Properties default reference state, do not
enter any data on the Reference Points sheet. However, you
must supply these parameter values for (or they must be
available in the databanks):
• DHFORM, DGFORM, PLXANT
• DHVLWT (or DHVLDP)
The Aspen Properties thermodynamic reference state is the
component's constituent elements in an ideal gas state at 25°C
and 1 atm.
If the application has Then
No chemical reactions You can select the reference states arbitrarily.
Chemical reactions You must select reference states that include
DHFORM for all components undergoing
reaction.
Equilibrium reactions You must select reference states that include
DGFORM for all components undergoing
reaction.
Adjusting Tabular Aspen Properties adjusts vapor-liquid K-values, Gibbs free
Data or Polynomials energies, and entropies for the effect of pressure using the
for the Effect of following relationships:
Pressure P 
K (T , P ) =  ref  K (T , Pref )
 P 
P 
s(T , P ) = s (T , Pref ) − R1n  ref 
 P 
P 
g (T , P ) = g (T , Pref ) − RT 1n  ref 
 P 
Where:
P ref = Reference pressure (the pressure at which the
data was obtained)
P = Actual system pressure
T = Temperature
K(T,Pref) = K-value at T and the reference pressure
s(T,Pref) = Entropy at T and the reference pressure
g(T,Pref) = Gibbs free energy at T and the reference
pressure
Requesting Pressure To request pressure adjustment:
Adjustment
1 Go to the Reference Points sheet of the Tabpoly form.
2 Choose the component for which you want to specify the
reference pressure, from the Component list box.
3 In the Pressure box, enter the reference pressure.
For K-values, Aspen Properties makes no adjustment for the
pressure effect, unless you supply the reference pressure. You
should always enter a reference pressure, unless the pressure range
of the calculation matches that of the data.
If you use the Aspen Properties thermodynamic reference state for
entropy and Gibbs free energy, an adjustment for the pressure
effect is always performed using Pref = 101325 N/m2. If you do not
use the Aspen Properties reference state, Aspen Properties adjusts
for the pressure effect only if you supply the reference pressure.
Using Property Data Packages
This topic describes the Property Data Packages available in Aspen
Properties.
You can use these data packages to model many important
industrial processes. Theses data packages have been developed
using publicly available literature data. They will be updated as
new data becomes available. For your particular process, you may
need to add or remove components and provide additional
interaction parameters.
• Ammonia-water
• Ethylene
• Flue gas treatment
• Formaldehyde-methanol-water
• Glycol dehydration of natural gas
• Mineral solubilities in water using the Pitzer model
• Gas treating processes using amines: MDEA, DEA, DGA,
AMP, and MEA
• Methyl-amine
Using a Data Package To use a data package:
1 From the File menu, click Import.
2 In the Import dialog box, click the Look In Favorites button.
3 From the list of favorite folders, select Data Packages.
4 Select the data package that you want and click Open.
Ammonia-Water Data Use this data package for ammonia and water. This data package
Package uses the Electrolyte NRTL model and also the SR-POLAR
equation of state for non-electrolyte application.
This data package is applicable from 5 - 250 °C with pressure up to
100 bar when used with the Electrolyte NRTL model. For higher
temperature and pressure use the SR-POLAR equation of state.
Ethylene Data Use this data package to model Ethylene processes. This data
Package package uses the SR-POLAR equation of state model because of
its versatility in representing both hydrocarbons and polar
components such as water.
Pure component parameters were evaluated using experimental
data for vapor pressure, liquid heat capacity and liquid density.
Binary parameters were evaluated from experimental VLE and
LLE data.
This data package should provide a very good starting point for
building the Ethylene process model. Calculation results can be
improved by regressing missing binary parameters or updating the
existing parameters with the new ones based on latest experimental
data.
Using Electrolyte Aspen Properties provides special data packages for amines
Amines Data systems: MDEA, DEA, MEA, DGA and AMP (2-amino-2-
Packages methyl-1-propanol, C4H11NO-1).
These packages allow you to accurately model amines gas treating
processes.
These data packages use the electrolyte capabilities, and also take
into consideration kinetic reactions of CO2 in the liquid phase. The
reaction kinetics can be used in either the Aspen Plus
RADFRAC or RATEFRAC distillation models. This modeling
approach is fundamentally sound and has been validated through
industrial applications. These data packages give more accurate
results than those that do not consider kinetics reactions.
The following table shows the range of applications:
System Property Package Temperature Amines Concentration
Name
AMP KEAMP 40-100 °C 2.47 to 4.44 molal
MDEA KEMDEA 25 - 120 °C Up to 50 weight %
DEA KEDEA Up to 140 °C Up to 30 weight %
DGA KEDGA Up to 100 °C Up to 65 weight %
MEA KEMEA Up to 120 °C Up to 50 weight %
Using an Amines Data To use an amines data package:
Package
2 In the Import dialog box, click the Look In Favorites button.
3 From the list of favorite folders, select Data Packages.
4 Select the desired data package and click Open.
5 In the Parameter Values dialog box, enter the component IDs
you are using for the amine, CO2 and H2S by first selecting the
Parameter then clicking the Edit Value button.
Note: Make sure that you use the true component approach on the
Properties Specifications Global sheet. This is required for all the
amines data packages that use kinetic reactions.
Flue Gas Treatment Use this data package to model flue-gas purification process. The
Data Package data package uses the Electrolyte NRTL model.
The apparent components are:
H2O, N2, O2, CO2, CO, SO2, SO3, NO, NO2, HCL, HF, HNO3,
HNO2, H2SO4, H2SEO3, HGCL2, HG2CL2, HG, C, SE, SEO2,
HG(OH)2, CASO4*2W, CAF2, CAO, CA(OH)2
The Henry-components are:
CO CO2 SO2 HCL O2 N2 NO HG
Valid temperature range from: 273.15 to 373.15 K
Formaldehyde- Use this data package to model Formaldehyde-Methanol-Water
Methanol-Water Data system. This system is highly non-ideal because the three
Package components form multiple complexes.
The vapor phase is modeled using the Hayden-O’Connell model.
This model properly accounts for the strong association in the
vapor phase.
The liquid phase is modeled using the UNIFAC model with special
group-group interaction parameters determined from regression of
experimental data. The complexes such as methylene glycol and
hemiformal are formed using the Chemistry reactions.
Valid temperature range: 0 to 100 °C
Mole fraction of Formaldehyde: 0 - 0.6
Pressure: 0 - 3 bar
Glycol Dehydration Use this data package to model natural gas dehydration processes
Data Package using glycols (Ethylene glycol (EG): C2H6O2, Di-ethylene glycol
(DEG): C4H10O3, or Tri-ethylene glycol (TEG): C6H14O4)
The data package uses the Schwartzentruber-Renon equation-of-
state (SR-POLAR) model.
The components included in this package are:
EG, DEG, TEG, WATER, METHANOL, CO2, N2, H2S,
METHANE, ETHANE, PROPANE, N-BUTANE, N-PENTANE,
N-HEXANE, N-HEPTANE, N-OCTANE, N-NONANE, N-
DECANE, BENZENE, TOLUENE, O-XYLENE, ISO-BUTANE,
ISO-PENTANE, ETHYLENE, PROPYLENE
The experimental data used to develop the data package cover very
wide range of temperatures and pressures.
Pitzer Data Packages There are four data packages for calculating mineral solubilities in
water using the Pitzer electrolyte model:
1 PITZ_1: for prediction of mineral solubilities in water at 25 °C.
The system is Na-K-Mg-Ca-H-Cl-SO4-OH-HCO3-CO3-CO2-
H2O.
2 PITZ_2: for prediction of mineral solubilities in water for
systems:
Na-K-Ca-Ba-Cl-H2O and Na-Ca-Cl-SO4-H2O.
H2O, NACL, KCL, CACL2, ACL2*4H2O, CACL2*6H2O,
BACL2, ACL2*2H2O
Valid temperature range: up to 200 °C
Valid pressure: equilibrium to 1 atmosphere
3 PITZ_3: for Na-K-Ca-Cl-SO4-NO3-H2O system
H2O, NA2SO4, NACL, NA2SO4*10H2O, NA2CA(SO4)2,
NA4CA(SO4)3*2H2O, NANO3, K2SO4, KCL,
K2CA(SO4)2*H2O, KNO3, CACL2, CASO4, CACL2,
CACL2*6H2O, CASO4*2H2O, 2(CASO4)**H2O,
CACL2*4H2O,CA(NO3)2, CA(NO3)2*4H2O
Valid temperature range: 0 - 250 °C
4 PITZ_4 for H2O- NaCl- Na2SO4- KCl- K2SO4- CaCl2-
CaSO4- MgCl2- MgSO4- CaCl2*6H2O- MgCl2*6H2O-
MgCl2*8H2O- MgCl2*12H2O- KMgCl3*6H2O-
Mg2CaCl6*12H2O- Na2SO4*10H2O- MgSO4*6H2O-
MgSO4*7H2O- K2Mg(SO4)2*6H2O
Valid temperature range : -60 to 25 °C
Methyl-amine Data Use this data package to model methyl-amines process. This
Package system is highly non-ideal. The components included are:
ammonia, water, methanol, methyl-amine, dimethylamine, and
trimethyl-amine.
The property model used for representing VLE data is the SR-
POLAR equation of state. High pressure VLE data for NH3-H2O
and Methanol-Water were used in the regression. This model is
particularly good for high pressure column. The results may be
improved by adding additional binary parameters for the EOS
based on new VLE data.
Pure component parameters were evaluated using liquid density,
heat capacity and vapor pressure data.
The following tables show electrolyte data packages that are
Using Other
available in the ELECINS sub-directory.
Electrolyte Data
Packages
Data Packages Using the This table shows electrolyte data packages, available in the
ELECNRTL Property ELECINS sub-directory, that use the ELECNRTL property
Method method:
Filename Electrolyte System
h2ohc.bkp H2O - HCL (as Henry-comps)
ehno3.bkp H2O - HNO3
enaoh.bkp H2O - NAOH
eso4br.bkp H2O - H2SO4 - HBR
ehbr.bkp H2O - HBR
ehi.bkp H2O - HI
eh2so4.bkp H2O - H2SO4
ehclmg.bkp H2O - HCL - MGCL2
enaohs.bkp H2O - NAOH - SO2
eso4cl.bkp H2O - H2SO4 - HCL
ecauts.bkp H2O - NAOH - NACL - NA2SO4 -NA2SO4.10H2O -
NA2SO4.NAOH - NA2SO4.NAOH.NACL
ekoh.bkp H2O - KOH
ecaust.bkp H2O - NAOH - NACL - NA2SO4
ehcl.bkp H2O - HCL (as solvent)
ehclle.bkp H2O - HCL (as solvent, recommend for LLE)
edea.bkp H2O - DEA - H2S - CO2
ehotde.bkp H2O - DEA - K2CO3 - H2S - CO2
emea.bkp H2O - MEA - H2S - CO2
ecl2.bkp H2O - CL2 - HCL
enh3co.bkp H2O - NH3 - CO2
enh3so.bkp H2O - NH3 - SO2
esouro.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S - CO2 - NAOH
edga.bkp H2O - DGA - H2S - CO2
enh3h2.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S
eamp.bkp H2O - AMP - H2S - CO2
ehotca.bkp H2O - K2CO3 - CO2
enh3hc.bkp H2O - NH3 - HCN
ebrine.bkp H2O - CO2 - H2S - NACL
ebrinx.bkp H2O - CO2 - H2S - NACL (extended Temperature
range)
eclscr.bkp H2O - CL2 - CO2 - HCL - NAOH - NACL - NA2CO3
ekohx.bkp H2O - KOH (high concentration)
ehf.bkp H2O - HF
ehotcb.bkp H2O - K2CO3 - CO2 - KHCO3
emdea.bkp H2O - MDEA - CO2 - H2S
enh3po.bkp H2O - NH3 - H3PO4 - H2S
esour.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S - CO2
SYSOP15M Property ELECINS sub-directory, that use the SYSOP15M property
Method method:
brine.bkp H2O - CO2 - H2S - NACL
caust.bkp H2O - NAOH - NACL - NA2SO4
causts.bkp H2O - NAOH - NACL - NA2SO4 -NA2SO4.10H2O -
NA2SO4.NAOH - NA2SO4.NAOH.NACL
dea.bkp H2O - DEA - H2S - CO2
dga.bkp H2O - DGA - H2S - CO2
h2ohbr.bkp H2O - HBR
h2ohcl.bkp H2O - HCL
h2ohf.bkp H2O - HF
h2ohi.bkp H2O - HI
hotca.bkp H2O - K2CO3 - CO2
hotcb.bkp H2O - K2CO3 - CO2 - KHCO3
hotdea.bkp H2O - DEA - K2CO3 - H2S - CO2
mcl2.bkp H2O - CL2
mdea.bkp H2O - MDEA - H2S - CO2
mea.bkp H2O - MEA - H2S - CO2
mh2so4.bkp H2O - H2SO4
mhbr.bkp H2O - HBR
mhcl.bkp H2O - HCL
mhcl1.bkp H2O - HCL
mhclmg.bkp H2O - HCL - MGCL2
mhf.bkp H2O - HF
mhf2.bkp H2O - HF (to 100% HF)
mhno3.bkp H2O - HNO3
mnaoh.bkp H2O - NAOH
mnaoh1.bkp H2O - NAOH
mso4br.bkp H2O - H2SO4 - HBR
mso4cl.bkp H2O - H2SO4 - HCL
naohso.bkp H2O - NAOH - SO2
nh3co2.bkp H2O - NH3 - CO2
nh3h2s.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S
nh3hcn.bkp H2O - HCN
nh3po4.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S - H3PO4
nh3so2.bkp H2O - NH3 - SO2
sour.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S - CO2
souroh.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S - CO2 - NAOH
SYSOP16 Property ELECINS sub-directory, that use the SYSOP16 property method:
Method
pnh3co.bkp H2O - NH3 - CO2
pnh3h2.bkp H2O - NH3
pnh3so.bkp H2O - NH3 - SO2
psour.bkp H2O - NH3 - H2S - CO2
CHAPTER 8
Making Property Calculations
Overview
For help on making your property calculations, see one of the
following topics:
• Making the calculation
• Reinitializing calculation
• Viewing the status of the calculation
• Checking calculation history
• Making calculation on the Aspen Properties server
• Specifying calculation settings and user databanks
When your problem specifications are complete, you are ready to
make the calculation. The status of your specifications is shown at
all times in the status bar of the main window and the Data
Browser. You can make the calculation if the status is any of these:
• Input Complete
• Input Changed
Making the Calculation

You can start the calculation by using:
• The Start buttons on the Calculation toolbar
• The Start option on the Calculate menu
You can view the progress of the calculation using the Control
Panel.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Making Property Calculations • 8-1

The Control Panel consists of:
• A message window showing the progress of the calculation by
displaying the most recent messages
• A toolbar which you can use to control the calculation
Controlling the You can control the calculation by using the commands on the
Calculation Calculate menu, the Calculation toolbar, or the Control Panel:
To Do this
Start calculation
Click the Start button on the toolbar.
Check calculation
Click the Check Results button on the
results
toolbar.
Purge calculation
Click the Reinitialize button on the toolbar.
results
Reinitializing When you change your calculation specifications, by default,
Calculation Aspen Properties uses any previously generated results as a
starting point for the new calculations. You can override this
default by reinitializing before making the new calculation.
To reinitialize before making a calculation:
1 From the Calculate menu, click Reinitialize.
2 Click OK in the Reinitialize dialog box.
Viewing the Status of You can view the progress of the calculation in:
the Calculation • The Status Bar
• Control Panel Status Messages
Viewing Calculation The main window status bar shows the progress of the calculation
Status Using the Status or the current status of the problem specifications. Status messages
Bar appear on the right side of the status bar.
8-2 • Making Property Calculations Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

This table shows the meaning of the status messages:
Status message Meaning
Required Input Not Input specifications are incomplete. Click Next on
Complete the toolbar to find out how to complete the input
specifications, and to go to sheets that are
incomplete.
Required Input The required input specifications are complete. You
Complete can start the calculation or enter optional
specifications.
Results Available The calculation has completed normally, and results
are present.
Results With Results are present. Warning messages were
Warnings generated during the calculations. See the Control
Panel for messages.
Results With Errors Results are present. Error messages were generated
during the calculations. See the Control Panel for
messages.
Input Changed Results are present, but you have changed the input
since the results were generated. The results may be
inconsistent with the current input.
Viewing Calculation The Control Panel message area contains progress, diagnostic,
Status Using the Control warning, and error messages generated during the calculation.
Panel Status Messages
This table shows the message and the information that follows it:
Control Panel Message Information Displayed Following the
Message
Processing input Errors and warning associated with input
specifications specifications.
Table Generation begins Identification of the errors during Table
generation.
Data Regression begins Errors during the regression.
Checking the Status Use the Results Summary sheet to check the status of calculations.
of Calculation To do this:
1 On the Calculation toolbar, click the Check Results button .

2 Click the Results Summary sheet.
The Results Summary sheet appears. This sheet indicates
whether the calculations were completed normally and shows
error or warning messages resulting from the calculations.
To see error and warning messages for a specific object, click
(theStatus button) on the Data Browser toolbar when the
forms for that object are displayed.
For more information on checking the completion status, see
Checking the Completion Status.

Aspen Properties keeps a detailed history of your calculation in a
Checking the
file that you can view with your text editor. Input specifications,
Calculation History
warning and error messages, and calculation diagnostics are
available in the file.
This table shows your options:
To Do this
View the history of the current From the View menu, click History.
calculation
Save history to a file Use the save command for your text
editor.
Aspen Properties displays all results in the history file in SI units.
You can control the amount of information written to the history
file. Use the Setup Specifications Diagnostics sheet.
Making the Calculation on the Aspen

Properties Server
If your network configuration and your Aspen Properties license
permits, you can run the Aspen Properties user interface on one
computer and run the calculation engine on a different computer
(the remote Aspen Properties host).
You may be required to connect to a remote Aspen Properties host
when you start Aspen Properties.
To change the Aspen Properties host computer after you have
started Aspen Properties:
1 From the Calculate menu, click Connect to Engine.
2 In the Connect to Engine dialog box, enter the Server Type.
If you choose your Local PC Host as the Aspen Properties host
computer, you do not need to enter any more information into
the dialog box.
3 For the Windows NT server Aspen Properties host computers,
enter the following information in the dialog box:
In this field Enter this information
Node Name Node name of the host computer where the Aspen
Properties calculation engine was installed
User Name Your Logon name on the host computer
Password Password for your account on the host computer
Working Directory Working directory on the host computer for Aspen
Properties

Aspen Properties creates files for the calculation in the working
directory.
The default working directory is your home directory on the host
computer.
4 Click OK.
If the network connection cannot be established, please see
your on-site Aspen Properties system administrator for more
information on network protocols and Aspen Properties host
computers.
Specifying Calculation Settings and

User Databanks
You can change some calculation settings and specify the name of
user databanks to be used.
To display the Calculation Settings dialog box:
1 From the Calculate menu, click Settings.
2 On the Engine Files Tab, you can specify filenames for:
Item Information
User physical property The property databanks are called
databanks USRPP1A, USRPP1B USRPP2A,
USRPP2B and USRPP2C.
User Libraries Libraries containing user inserts
Link Options The Dynamic Linking Options File
(DLOPT) contains directives for dynamic
linking.
Run Definition The User defaults file is used to override
system default files and specify default
command options.
3 On the Options tab, click any of the following options:
• Allow run only when input is complete
• Edit keyword input data before starting calculations
• Copy data regression and property constant estimation
results onto property parameter forms
Allow Run Only When Turning off the Allow Run only when input is complete option
Input is Complete allows you to start the calculation even if the status in the main
window toolbar is not Required Input Complete. This allows you
to obtain partial results.
Edit Keyword Input This option is designed primarily for advanced users who are
Data Before Starting familiar with Aspen Properties keyword input language. The Edit
Calculation input before beginning calculation option displays the generated

Aspen Properties input language in your text editor before starting
the calculation. This gives you a chance to make small
modifications or additions to the file, or to diagnose problems.
These modifications will not be reflected on the input forms.
Copy Data When the option is on, parameters regressed using Data Regression
Regression and or estimated by Property Constant Estimation, are automatically
Property Constant used and displayed on the Parameters forms. The parameters will
Estimation Results be used in all subsequent calculations. When the option is off, the
onto Property parameters are available on the List, but are not displayed on the
Parameter Forms parameters forms. The parameters will not be used in subsequent
calculations.

CHAPTER 9
Examining Results and

Generating Reports
Overview
For help on examining results and generating reports, see one of
the following topics:
• View calculation results interactively
• Checking the completion status
• Generate an Aspen Properties report file
Viewing Calculation Results

Interactively
You can view results whenever the status message in the bottom
window status bar is one of the following:
Message Means
Results Available The calculation has completed normally, and
results are present.
Results Available Results for the calculations are present. Warning
with Warnings messages were generated during the calculations.
View the Control Panel or History for messages.
Results Available Results for the calculations are present. Error
with Errors messages were generated during the calculations.
View the Control Panel or History for messages.
Input Changed Results for the calculations are present, but you
have changed the input since the results were
generated. The results may be inconsistent with
the current input.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Examining Results and Generating Reports • 9-1
Use the results status indicators, which appear in the Data Browser
to guide you to forms and objects. For a complete list of the status
indicators, see Status Indicators.
Checking the Completion Status

Use the Results Summary sheet to examine the completion status
of calculations. This form indicates whether the calculations were
completed normally.
To display the Results Summary sheet, do one of the following:

From the Select
Calculation Run
toolbar or the
Control Panel
Data Browser Results Summary in the left pane of the Data Browser
Run menu Check Results
If errors or warnings exist:
1 When on a particular form, click (the Status button) on the

toolbar of the Data Browser window to see specific messages.
2 Check the Control Panel and History file for information,
diagnostic, warning, and error messages generated during
calculations.
Checking Completion The Control Panel displays error, warning and diagnostic messages
Status in the Control from the calculations.
Panel The number of messages can be controlled globally using the
Setup Specifications Diagnostics sheet
9-2 • Examining Results and Generating Reports Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
The messages on the control panel are similar to those printed in
the history file (*.his). The diagnostic level of the history file and
the control panel can be adjusted independently.
If a high level of diagnostics is needed, the diagnostics should be
printed to the history file and not to the control panel. In this way,
you will not slow down performance by writing a lot of
information to the screen.
Viewing the Control To view the Control Panel, do one of the following:
Panel
From the Select
View menu Control Panel
Calculation Run
Show/hide control panel window button
toolbar
The Calculation Messages file (*.cpm) is a text file that includes
all of the messages printed on the control panel. Calculation
Messages files must be exported from the calculation to be saved.
Checking Completion The History file displays error, warning and diagnostic messages
Status in the History from the run.
File The number of messages can be controlled globally using the
Setup Specifications Diagnostics sheet
To check the History file:
• From the View menu, click History.
A history file cannot be directly saved or exported from the Aspen
Properties User Interface. However, the file is saved automatically
when a run is saved as an Aspen Properties document (*.aprapw).
You can also save the viewed history file using the text editor
File/Save command.
The history file is similar to the Calculation Messages file (*.cpm).
The diagnostic level of the history file and the control panel can be
adjusted independently. If a high level of diagnostics is needed,
they should be printed to the history file and not to the control
panel so as to not inhibit performance by writing a lot of
information to the screen.
Generating a Report
You can generate a report file documenting the complete input
specifications and calculation results. Use the Report Options
forms to control report contents. See Report Options for more
information about report options.
Before generating a report, the calculation results must be
available. You need to start the calculations if:
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Examining Results and Generating Reports • 9-3
• You have not yet made the calculations.
• You changed input specifications since the last calculations.
• You changed settings on the Report Options forms since the
last calculations.
• You opened a run saved in backup format(*.aprbkp), and have
not made the calculations in the current session.
To start the Calculations:
• On the Calculation Run toolbar, click (the Run button).
– or –
• From the Run menu, click Run.
To generate a report:
• From the View menu, click Report.
Export a Report File To save the entire report file from the calculations:
1 From the File menu, click Export.
2 In the Save As Type box, select Report files.
3 Enter a filename. The file can be in any directory on the local
computer.
4 Select Save to create the report file.
For more information on managing files, see Chapter 11,
Managing Your Files.
9-4 • Examining Results and Generating Reports Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
C H A P T E R 10
Working with Plots
Overview
For help on generating, customizing, and printing plots from any
input or results sheet that has tabular data, see one of the following
topics:
• Generating plots
• Working with plots
• Printing plots
About Plots
Aspen Properties plots are a useful way of viewing the data and
results from a calculation, such as property analysis and data
regression.
There are three steps involved in generating a plot:
1 Displaying the sheet containing the data you want to plot. The
sheet may contain either input or results data.
2 Generating the plot either by:
• Using the Plot Wizard
–or–
• Selecting the dependent, independent, and parametric
variables
3 Customizing the plot appearance.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Working with Plots • 10-1

Step 1: Displaying the Data
To display data:
1 From the Data menu, click Data Browser.
2 In the left hand pane, click the form containing the data that
you want to plot.
3 On the form, click the sheet to display the data.
This sheet can be either an input or a results sheet though it is
much more common to plot results.
4 To plot results, make sure that the calculation run has results
available.
If results are available, the status message in the main window
will be Results Available, Results Available with Warnings,
Results Available with Errors, or Input Changed. For more
information on status messages when results are present, see
Viewing Results.
If results are not available, run the calculation.
Step 2: Generating a Plot

You can generate the plot in either of these ways:
• Using the Plot Wizard
• Selecting the dependent and independent variables
Using the Plot Wizard Use the Plot Wizard to generate a plot quickly by selecting from a
list of predefined plots. The Plot Wizard is available for most
objects which have tables of results.
After you have displayed the data:
1 From the Plot menu, click Plot Wizard. The Plot Wizard Step 1
appears.
Note: The Plot menu is only visible when you have the Data
Browser in the current window.
10-2 • Working with Plots Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

2 Click Next.
3 Select the type of plot from the list of available plots, then click
Next.
4 Select the options for the plot type you have selected.

The options that are available depend on the plot type selected.
5 Click Next.
6 Select the general options for the plot type you have selected.
The Plot Wizard guides you through the options. These
include:
• Changing the Plot type
• Modifying the Plot and Axis titles
• Choosing whether you want the plot updated when new
results are available
• Selecting if you want to display the plot legend
• Adding a time stamp
For further details on these, see Step 3: Customizing the
Appearance of a Plot .

7 To end the Plot Wizard and generate the plot, click Finish.
Generating a Plot by The Plot Wizard is usually the quickest way to generate a plot.
Selecting Variables However, if the plot you are interested in is not available in the
Plot Wizard, you can generate the plot by selecting the
independent, dependent, and parametric variables.
To select variables:
1 Click the title of the column of data you want to plot on the X-
Axis.
2 From the Plot menu, click X-Axis Variable.
3 Select all the dependent variables:
• Hold down Ctrl and click the title of each column of data
you want to plot on the Y-Axis.
• From the Plot menu, click Y-Axis Variable.
4 If you want to plot a parametric variable:
Click the title of the column of data you want to plot as the
parametric variable.
5 From the Plot menu, click Parametric Variable.
Types of Variable For The Plot Wizard is usually the quickest way to generate a plot.
Plots However, if the plot you are interested in is not available in the
Plot Wizard, you can generate the plot by selecting the
independent, dependent, and parametric variables.

This table shows the types of variables available for a plot:
This variable Is You can
Y-Axis variable The dependent Select as many Y-Axis dependent
variable variables as you like for a plot. You
must select at least one Y-Axis
dependent variable.
X-Axis variable The Select only one X-axis independent
independent variable or accept the default
variable independent variable (usually the first
column of data)
Parametric The third Use this variable to plot a dependent
variable variable variable against an independent variable
for several values. For example, you
might use a sensitivity block to generate
a plot of reaction conversion (the
dependent variable to be plotted on the
Y-axis) versus residence time (the
independent variable to be plotted on
the X-axis) for three temperatures (the
parametric variable).
Step 3: Customizing the Appearance

of a Plot
You can customize the appearance of your plot by:
• Adding and modifying annotation text
• Changing the plot properties
Adding and Modifying You can:
Annotation Text Do This And
Add text to annotate a The text can be attached or unattached.
plot
Attach text to a point on The text moves with the point as you zoom in
a plot line and out and scroll through the plot workspace.
Place unattached text The text stays in the same place within the
anywhere within the window as you zoom in and out and scroll
plot workspace through the workspace.
Adding Text To add text to a plot:
1 Display the plot on which you want to add text.
2 Click the right mouse button on a plot and from the popup
menu that appears, point to Modify, then click Add Text.

3 Use the Plot Text Setting dialog box to add or change the text.
Use this text To
sheet
Text Enter the annotation text and specify color and
orientation
Attribute Attach the text to data point. You can connect it without
an arrow or with a small, medium or large arrow. The
default is to attach it with a medium arrow.
Leave the text unattached. You can either left, center, or
right justify it. The default is to left justify the text.
Font Select the font, style and size for the text
4 Click OK.
5 Click the location on the plot where you would like to have the
text placed.
6 If the text is attached to a data point, Aspen Properties
automatically draws a line to the nearest curve. If this location
is not desired, the point of attachment can be selected and
dragged to any point on any curve in the plot.
Modifying Text To modify text on a plot:
1 Select the text that you want to modify. It will be highlighted
once it is selected.
2 Click the right mouse button and click Edit.
3 Use the Plot Text Settings dialog box to change the text.
4 Click OK.
You can also change the default text font on a plot. For
information on changing plot defaults, see Changing Plot
Defaults.
Changing Plot Most of the elements of a plot can be modified using the Plot
Properties Control Properties dialog box. To access this dialog box:
• Double-click the plot.
– or –
• Click the right mouse button over the plot and from the menu
that appears, click Properties.
For help on changing plot properties, see one of the following
topics:
• Changing plot attributes
• Displaying the plot legend
• Modifying the plot legend
• Changing the Axis Map
• Changing plot titles

• Changing plot axis labels
• Changing plot axes
• Changing the grid display
• Adding a time stamp
Changing Plot Attributes You can change the appearance of data lines on a plot. The color,
line, type and marker type can be modified for each variable.
To change the attributes of the data lines on the plot:
1 Display the plot.
2 Click the right mouse button on the plot and from the menu
that appears, click Properties.
3 Click the Attribute tab.
4 Select the variable.
5 Select the Color, Marker, and Line type for that variable.
Displaying the Plot To show a legend on a plot:

Legend
1 Display the plot.
2 Click the right mouse button on the plot and from the popup
menu, point to Modify, then click Show Legend.
Modifying the Plot You can modify the legend text and font:
Legend
1 Display the plot.
2 Double-click the legend.
3 On the Plot Legend dialog box, click the line of the legend that
you want to change and it appears in the Legend Text box.
4 In the Legend Text box, change the legend.
5 Click Replace.

6 Repeat steps 3-4 for every line of the legend that you want to
change.
7 On the Font tab, you can modify the font for the entire legend.
The legend can be hidden and then revealed, and all changes to
the legend will be preserved.
You can also change whether a legend appears by default on
your plots. For information on changing plot defaults, see
Changing Plot Defaults.
Changing the Axis Map If a plot has more than one dependent variable, by default Aspen
Properties displays the plot with a separate Y axis scale for each
dependent variable. You can map all variables to a single axis, or
you can map groups of variables to designated axes.
For example, if you plot column mole fraction profiles for five
components, you can plot all components against a single Y axis
scale. If you plot temperature, liquid rate and vapor rate on the
same plot, you can plot temperature on one axis and both flow
rates on another.
To specify axis mapping:
1 Display the plot.
2 Click the right mouse button on the plot and from the popup
menu, click Properties.
3 Click the AxisMap tab.
4 Select a dependent variable.
5 This table shows what you can do:
Use To
The Up and Change the axis number the variable is mapped to. If
Down arrows you reduce an axis number to zero, the plot of the
dependent variable is not displayed.
The All in One Map all dependent variable to a single axis.
button
The One for Map each dependent variable to a separate axis.
Each button
6 Click OK.

Changing Plot Titles You can change the text on the plot titles at any time by
customizing the font, style, and size for the text.
To change the plot title for a specific plot:
1 Display the plot that you want to change.
2 Double-click the title that you want to change.
3 On the Text tab, enter the text for the title.
4 On the Font tab, select the font, style, and size for the text.
You can also change the default text font for plot titles. For
Defaults.
Changing Plot Axis The text on the plot axis labels can be modified at any time. The
Labels font, style, and size for the text can also be customized for each
label.
To change the plot axis labels for a specific plot:
1 Display the plot.
2 Double-click the axis label that you want to change.
3 On the Text tab, enter the text for the axis label.
4 On the Font tab, select the font, style, and size for the text.
5 Repeat steps 2–4 for any other axes that you wish to modify.
You can also change the default font for all plot axis labels. For
Defaults.
Changing Plot Axes The scale options for the X and Y axes can be changed in order
that a specific area of the plot can be viewed. If a plot has more
than one Y axis scale, the scale for each one can be changed
separately.

To change scale options for the X or Y axis:
1 Display the plot.
2 Double-click the Axis values that you want to change.
3 Select whether you want a linear, log or inverse scale.
4 Change the Grid interval.
– or –
To return to the automatic grid interval determined by Aspen
Properties, turn off the Lock grid option.
5 Use the Axis Range settings to plot only a subset of the data, or
to specify endpoints for the axis scale. To return to the
automatic range determined by Aspen Properties, delete the
entries from the Range text boxes.
6 The Value Range boxes (displayed below the Axis Range
boxes) show the range of data.
7 If you want to invert the axis to display the variable values
decreasing from the origin, check the Variable Descends box.
8 On the Font tab, select the font, style and size for the text.
Changing the Grid To change the grid and line display options for a specific plot:
Display for a Plot
1 Display the plot.
2 Double-click the plot background.
3 Click the Grid tab.
4 Change the options desired.
This table shows the display settings that you can change:
Choose this To
Plot Option
Grid Define the type of grid for the plot. Choose from:
Mesh (Horizontal and vertical grid)
Horizontal
Vertical
No grid
Line Select the line style for the data curves. Choose from:
Lines & markers
Lines
Markers
Flip coordinate Flip the x and y axes
Square plot Set the range of the x and y axes to be the same
Diagonal line Draw a diagonal line where x=y on the plot
Zero line Draw a horizontal line at the zero point of the x axis
Marker size Modify the size of the markers displayed in the plot

You can also change the default display options for plots. For
Defaults.
Adding a Time Stamp A time stamp can be added to a plot to mark the date and time that
the plot was created. The time stamp can include any combination
of:
• Date
• Time
• Version
• RunID
• Username
To add a time stamp to a plot:
1 Display the plot.
2 From the Edit menu, click Insert Time Stamp.
The time stamp is simply text. To modify the time stamp, use the
same instructions for modifying text.
You can also change the default time stamp for plots. For
information on changing plot defaults, see Changing Plot Defaults.
Working with Plots

For help on working with plots, see one of the following topics:
• Updating plots when results change
• Adding data to plots
• Comparing runs using plots
• Deleting data points and curves
• Displaying a different range of data
• Changing plot defaults
• Printing plot files
Updating Plots When If you leave a Plot window open when you rerun a calculation, by
Results Change default Aspen Properties does not redraw the plot using data from
the new run.
To have a plot updated when results change:
1 Display the plot that you want to modify.
2 From the Edit menu, click Live Plot.
This option can also be selected in the Plot Wizard.

Adding Data to Plots You can add additional curves to existing plots.
To add data:
1 Display the sheet that contains the data you want to add to an
existing plot.
2 Select the dependent and independent variables.
The selected data needs to have the same x-axis variable as the
existing plot. For example, if the existing plot is temperature
vs. stage number, the data selected needs to be something vs.
stage number.
3 From the Plot menu, click Add New Curve.
4 In the Plot Window List dialog box, click the Plot where you
want to add the new data.
5 Click OK.
The new curve is added to the plot.
The new curve will be added to the plot.
Deleting Data Points From an existing plot, you can delete:
and Curves from • Selected data points
Plots
• An entire curve
After you delete data points from a plot, Aspen Properties redraws
the curve automatically.
Note: You cannot recover deleted data points. You must

regenerate the plot if you want to see them again.
Deleting Selected Data To delete selected data points from a plot:

Points
1 Display the plot.
2 Hold down the left mouse button and drag the cursor to form a
rectangular outline around the data points that you want to
delete.
3 Click the right mouse button.
4 From the menu that appears, click Delete Points.
Note: You cannot recover deleted data points.
Deleting an Entire Curve To delete an entire curve:

1 Display the plot.
2 Click the right mouse button.
3 From the popup menu, point to Modify, then click Hide
Variable.

4 Select a variable and use the Hide and Show arrow buttons to
move the desired variables from the Shown Variables list to the
Hidden Variables list.
Hidden curves can later be revealed using these same steps.
Displaying a Different Use the zoom commands to display a different range of data on a
Range of Data on a plot:
Plot This zoom option Zooms
Zoom Auto In by an automatic amount
Zoom Out Out by an automatic amount
Zoom Full To the full plot
For example, to zoom in on a specific range of data:
1 Display the plot.
2 Select the region of interest on the plot. To do this, hold down
the left mouse button and drag the cursor to form a rectangle
outline.
3 Click the right mouse button in this region and from the menu
that appears, click Zoom In to display the region you selected.
4 To display the entire plot again, click the right mouse button in
the plot and from the popup menu, click Zoom Full.
Changing Plot To change the defaults used to generate a plot:
Defaults 1 From the Tools menu, click Options.
2 From the Plots tab, click the defaults that you want to change.
3 Click the Title, Axis label, Axis scale, or Annotation buttons to
modify the default font for the different types of text on a plot.
4 Use the lists to select the Grid Style and the Line Style used for
new plots.
5 Use the Marker Size box to specify the size of data markers in
plots.
6 Check the Show legend and/or Show Time Stamp boxes to
display these elements by default on a new plot. The
components of the time stamp can also be selected in this
manner.

Printing a Plot You can print a selected plot. To do this:
1 Display the plot that you want to print.
2 From the File menu, click Print.

C H A P T E R 11
Managing Your Files
Overview
For help on managing files, see one of the following topics:
• File formats in Aspen Properties
• Saving Aspen Properties document files
• Exporting Aspen Properties files
• Importing Aspen Properties files
• Saving an Aspen Properties run
• Managing files in a client-server environment
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Managing Your Files • 11-1

File Formats in Aspen Properties
These are the major types of files used in Aspen Properties:
File Type Extension Format Description
Aspen Plus backup *.bkp ASCII Archive file of Aspen Plus containing calculation input
and results
Backup *.aprbkp ASCII Archive file of Aspen Properties containing calculation
input and results
Cape-open *.cota ASCII Cape-open compliant property package containing
calculation input
Document *.aprop Binary Quick restart file containing calculation input and results
History *.his Text Detailed calculation history and diagnostic messages
Input *.aprinp Text Calculation input
Problem Definition *.aprpdf Binary Binary file containing the problem definition, components,
property methods and all required data used in the
calculations
Report *.rep Text Detailed calculation report
Run Messages *.cpm Text Calculation history shown in the Control Panel
Summary *.sum ASCII Calculation results
Template *.aprt ASCII Template containing default inputs
In this context, a text file is one that you can read with a standard
editor such as Notepad®.
A binary file cannot be read by the user.
An ASCII file can be opened in an editor, but is formatted to be
read by a program, not a person. ASCII files are portable across
different hardware platforms.
Aspen Plus Backup Aspen Plus backup files are archive ASCII files containing input
Files (*.bkp) specifications and calculation results of Aspen Plus. Aspen
Properties can import the Aspen Plus backup files so that the same
property methods, models, and data used in the simulation can be
used in the property calculations and analysis. Aspen Properties
can also export the Aspen Plus backup files so that the property
package you prepare using Aspen Properties can be used in process
simulation.
11-2 • Managing Your Files Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Exporting Aspen Plus To export an Aspen Plus backup file:
Backup File 1 From the File menu, click Export.
2 In the Export dialog box, select Aspen Plus Backup File
(*.bkp) from the Save as Type list.
3 Select the directory and enter a filename.
The file can be in any directory.
4 Click Save.
Importing Aspen Plus You can import backup files created by Aspen Plus into your
Backup File current Aspen Properties problem. Aspen Properties merges the
information and specifications contained in the backup file with
your current problem definitions.
To import an Aspen Plus backup file into your current calculation:
2 In the Import dialog box, select the Aspen Plus Backup File
(*.bkp) type from the Files of Type list.
3 Enter a filename. The file can be in any directory.
4 Click Open.
5 If the Resolve ID Conflict dialog box appears, there are objects
in the imported backup file that have the same ID as objects in
the current problem. You must resolve the ID conflict as
appropriate.
Maintaining Upward The Upward Compatibility dialog box appears when you open a
Compatibility backup file that was created with Aspen Plus, with the calculation
engine, or with a previous version of Aspen Properties.
New features in Aspen Properties may mean your results differ
from those of previous versions. To maintain upward compatibility
and obtain the same results as your previous version of Aspen
Properties, ignore the new features. To do this:
• In the Upward Compatibility dialog box, select Maintain
Complete Upward Compatibility.
To use the new features, in the Upward Compatibility dialog box,
select Use the Following New Features, and select the features you
want from:
• New pure component databanks
• New property methods
• New built-in binary parameters
• New ADA/PCS procedures
• Calculated molecular weight obtained from formula

Note: If you are opening a file created by Version 9 or 10 of Aspen
Plus or Aspen Properties, you will get only the option of using the
new pure component databank, PURE11.
The default options for this dialog box are specified on the
Upward Compatibility tab of the Tools | Options dialog box. On
this tab, you can also tell Aspen Properties not to display the
Upward Compatibility dialog box. If you do so, then the defaults
specified on the Tools | Options | Upward Compatibility tab are
automatically applied when you open a backup file not made by
the current version of the Aspen Properties user interface.
Backup Files Aspen Properties Backup files are ASCII files which contain a
(*.aprbkp) compact version of your Aspen Properties problem. Backup files
contain all input specifications and calculation results. They
occupy much less disk space than files saved in Document format,
and are thus preferable for long-term storage.
The main advantage of the Backup files over Document files is
that the Backup files are upwardly compatible through different
versions of Aspen Properties and are portable across different
hardware platforms. They can also be e-mailed.
Backup files can be imported into a current Aspen Properties
problem. Aspen Properties merges the information and
specifications contained in the backup file with your current
problem definitions.
Saving a Backup File To save an Aspen Properties backup file:
1 From the File menu, click Save As.
2 In the Save As dialog box, select Aspen Properties Backup File
(*.aprbkp) from the Save as Type list.
3 Select the directory and enter a filename. The file can be in any
directory.
4 Click Save.
Exporting a Backup File You can export a backup file at any time without saving your
current problem.
To export an Aspen Properties backup file:
2 In the Export dialog box, select Aspen Properties Backup File
(*.aprbkp) from the Save as Type list.
directory.
4 Click Save.

Importing a Backup File You can import backup files into your current problem. Aspen
Properties merges the information and specifications contained in
the backup file with your current problem definitions.
To import a backup file into your current calculation:
2 In the Import dialog box, select the Aspen Properties Backup
File (*.aprbkp) type from the Files of Type list.
3 Enter a filename. The file can be in any directory.
4 Click Open.
in the imported backup file that have the same ID as objects in
appropriate.
Cape-Open Property Aspen Properties can import and export the Cape-Open compliant
Package File (*.cota) property packages. The exported property package can be used by
any applications that are Cape-Open compliant to calculate
physical properties and phase equilibria. For example, it can be
used by an in-house distillation program or by another process
simulator. It is used by the Aspen Properties Excel Calculator and
the Aspen Web Properties. The exported Aspen Properties
property packages are not intended for use by Aspen Properties
User Interface or Aspen Plus.
Aspen Properties can import Cape-Open compliant property
packages prepared by other vendors. The imported property
packages will be used in physical property calculations.
Exporting Cape-Open To export a Cape-Open property package file:
Property Package File
1 Click on the Export Cape-Open property package button on the
Toolbar. The CO Aspen Property Package Manager dialog box
appears.
2 Click on the save button.
3 Enter name of the property package.
The Property Package is stored in the \Engine\Cape-Open Property
Package\ directory where Aspen Properties calculation engine was
installed.
Document Files Aspen Properties document files contain all input specifications
(*.aprop) and calculation results. If you save a problem as a Document file
before you exit from Aspen Properties, the next time you open the
Document file, Aspen Properties will be in exactly the same state
as when you saved it.
Document files can be opened and saved in the Aspen Properties
User Interface.

Disadvantages
Document files (.aprop) are not compatible across different

versions of Aspen Properties.
Advantages
For very large problems, Document files are much quicker to load
into and save from the Aspen Properties User Interface.
Saving an Aspen To save an Aspen Properties document:
Properties Document
1 On the File menu, click Save As.
2 From the Save as Type list, select Aspen Properties Documents
(*.aprop).
directory.
4 Click Save.
When you exit Aspen Properties or open a new problem, a dialog
box asks if you want to save the current run. Select Yes to save the
run in Aspen Properties Document format.
History Files (*.his) The History file is a text file that includes an echo of the input
summary and the error, warning, and diagnostic messages from the
calculation. The number of messages and the detail can be
controlled globally on the Setup Specifications Diagnostics sheet.
To view the history file, use the View menu, then select History.
Aspen Properties uses the file editor of your choice to view the
history file.
A history file cannot be exported directly from the Aspen
Properties User Interface. However, you can save the history file
by using the View menu to view the file, then use the File menu of
the text editor to save the file. A history file is saved automatically
when you save a run as a Document file.
The history file is similar to the Run Messages file. The diagnostic
levels for the history file and the control panel can be adjusted
independently. If you need a high level of diagnostics, print them
to the history file, not to the control panel. This prevents any
performance degradation that might result from lengthy
diagnostics on the screen.
Input Files (*.aprinp) Aspen Properties input files are compact summaries of the
specifications for a property calculation.
An input file can:
• Be used as the input file for a stand-alone Aspen Properties
engine run

• Provide a compact summary of the input specifications for a
calculation (for example, to be included in a project report)
• Provide the documentation of record for a calculation study
(for example, as part of the archives for a design project)
• Help expert users diagnose problems
You can generate an Aspen Properties input file from your
specifications at any time. To save an input file, use the File Menu,
then select Export. To view the input file, use the View menu, then
select Input Summary. Aspen Properties uses the text editor of
your choice to display the input file. You can then save the input
file using the text editor’s File menu.
Opening an Input File To open an Aspen Properties input file in the user interface:
1 From the File menu, click Open.
2 In the Open dialog box, select Input Files (*.aprinp) from the
Files of Type list.
3 Enter a filename.
4 Click Open.
Exporting an Input File To export an Aspen Properties input file:
2 In the Export dialog box, select Input File (*.aprinp) from the
Save as Type list.
directory.
4 Click Save.
Report Files (*.rep) Aspen Properties Report files document all of the input data and
defaults used, as well as the results of the calculation. These are
text files that can be read by the user.
Report files must be exported from the User Interface to be saved
once the calculations are complete. Report files cannot be opened
in the Aspen Properties User Interface.
If applicable, the DFMS input file (*.dfm), the Prop-Data file
(*.prd) and the Project file (*.prj) are exported along with the
report file. The DFMS input file and Prop-Data file contains results
from property estimation and data regression. The DFMS input
file can be used to update user databanks. The project file contains
all the property parameters actually used in the calculations.
Run Messages Files Aspen Properties Run Messages files are text files that include the
(*.cpm) error, warning, and diagnostic messages from the calculation.
These are the messages displayed on the Control Panel during the

calculation. The number of messages and the detail can be
controlled globally on the Setup Specifications Diagnostics sheet.
Run Messages files are similar to history files (*.his). The
diagnostic level for history files and the control panel can be
adjusted independently. If you need a high level of diagnostics,
print them to the history file, not to the control panel. This prevents
any performance degradation that might result from lengthy
diagnostics on the screen.
Run Messages files must be exported from the calculation to be
saved.
Exporting a Run To generate and export Run Messages file:
Messages File
2 In the Export dialog box, select Run Messages File (*.cpm)
from the Save as Type list.
4 Click Save.
Summary Files Aspen Properties Summary files contain all the results from the
(*.sum) calculation that are displayed in the Aspen Properties user
interface. Summary files are ASCII format files used to load the
results into the user interface. Summary files can also be used by
other programs to retrieve the results of the calculation.
Summary files must be exported from the User Interface to be
saved once the calculations are complete. Summary files are
automatically generated when running the Aspen Properties
calculation engine standalone. The summary file generated is
called runid.sum, where runid is the run ID.
Exporting a Summary To generate and export an Aspen Properties summary file from a
File completed property calculation:
2 In the Export dialog box, select Summary File (*.sum) from the
Save as Type list.
4 Click Save.

Importing a Summary File To import an Aspen Properties summary file:
2 In the Import dialog box, select the Summary File (*.sum) file
type from the Files of Type list.
3 Enter a filename.
4 Click Open.
Template Files (*.aprt) You can select a Template to be used in a new problem. Templates
set defaults for some or all of the following:
• Units of measurement
• Setting for Free-Water option
• Global property method
• Required components (such as water)
• Other application-specific defaults
Built-in Templates The built-in Templates are:
• Air Separation
• Chemicals
• Electrolytes
• Gas Processing
• General
• Petroleum
• Pharmaceuticals
For each Template, you can select either metric or English units of
measurement. You can modify the built-in templates to meet your
company’s requirements, or you can create new templates.
You can start a calculation with a template or you can import a
template into your current calculation.
There is no limit to the amount of information that can be included
in a template: setup information, components, unit sets, property
specifications, and even property tables can all be saved in a
template.

Saving a Template File To save an Aspen Properties template file:
2 In the Save As dialog box, select Templates (*.aprt) from the
Save as Type list.
directory.
4 Click Save.
Tip: The format for a template file is the same as for a backup file.
It is possible to create a template from a backup file, by changing
the extension from .aprbkp to .aprt.
Importing a Template File To import an Aspen Properties template file:

2 In the Import dialog box, select the Templates (*.aprt) type
from the Files of Type list.
3 Enter a filename.
4 Click Open.
that have the same ID as objects in the current problem. You
must resolve the ID conflict as appropriate.
Opening Aspen Properties Files

You can open an existing Aspen Properties file from within Aspen
Properties.
1 From the File menu, click Open.
2 In the Open dialog box, select the file type from the Files of
Type list.
This table shows the types of files you can open:
Type of File Extension Description
Backup *.aprbkp ASCII archive containing calculation input and
results
Document *.aprop Binary quick restart file containing calculation
input and results
Input *.aprinp Calculation input specifications
Summary *.sum Calculation results
Template *.aprt ASCII file containing default inputs used as
template

3 Enter a filename or select a file from the available list, then
click Open.
4 The message "Do you wish to close the current run before
opening new run?", appears. Click No for the new problem to
be opened in a separate window. Click Yes to close the current
problem.
Tip: To speed up your search for files or directories, in the Open

dialog box, click the Look in Favorites button to display a list of
pre-selected directories. Use the Add to Favorites button to place
frequently used directories into this list.
Using the Favorites By default, the Favorites list contains 5 directories that are
List provided with Aspen Properties. The files in these directories can
be used as examples of how to define a problem or can be used to
prepare property packages for specific applications.
This table shows the Favorites directories:
Directory Description
Applications Typical Examples illustrating the use of Aspen
Properties
Assay Libraries Petroleum crude assays compiled from literature for
different regions of the world and selected crude
assays from the Phillips Petroleum Crude Assay
Library
Data Packages Special property data packages for some industrially
important systems
Electrolyte Electrolyte data packages for many industrially
Inserts important systems
Examples Selected examples
Saving Aspen Properties Files

To save a file in Aspen Properties:
2 In the Save As dialog box, select the appropriate file type from
the Save as Type list. You can save Document, Backup and
Template files.
3 Enter a filename. The file can be saved in any directory.
4 Click Save.

Exporting Aspen Properties Files
To generate and export an Aspen Properties file:
2 In the Export dialog box, select the appropriate file type from
the Save as Type list. See the Types of Files You Can Export
table to see a summary of the file types you can export.
3 Enter a filename.
The file can be saved in any directory.
4 Click Save.
Types of Files You You can export the following types of Aspen Properties files:
Can Export

Aspen Plus backup .bkp ASCII Archive file of Aspen Plus containing calculation input and
results
Backup .aprbkp ASCII Archive file of Aspen Properties containing calculation input
and results
Input .aprinp Text Calculation input
Report .rep Text Detailed report file
Run Messages .cpm Text Calculation history shown in the control panel
Summary .sum ASCII Calculation results
Importing Aspen Properties Files

To import an Aspen Properties file:
2 In the Import dialog box, select the file type from the Files of
Type list. See the Types of Files You Can Import table to see a
list of the files you can import.
3 Enter a filename or select a file from the available list.
4 Click Open.
5 If the Resolve ID Conflicts dialog box appears, there are
objects in the imported files that have the same ID as objects in
appropriate.

Tip: To speed up your search for files or directories, in the Import
dialog box, click the Look in Favorites button to display a list of
pre-selected directories. See Using the Favorites List for more
information on using the Favorites list.
Types of Files You You can import the following types of files:
Can Import

Aspen Plus .bkp ASCII Archive file of Aspen Plus containing calculation input and
backup results
Backup *.aprbkp ASCII Archive file of Aspen Properties containing calculation input
and results
IK-Cape .ikc ASCII IK-Cape neutral file containing physical property data, such
as those generated from Detherm Internet
Summary *.sum ASCII Calculation results
Template *.aprt ASCII Template file containing default inputs
Deciding How to Save Aspen

Properties Problem Definition
You can save an Aspen Properties problem definition in the
following ways:
• Save the Aspen Properties Document file
• Save the Aspen Properties Backup file
• Export an Aspen Properties Input file
This table summarizes the characteristics of the file formats:
Characteristic Document Backup Input
Calculation Definition x x x
(input specifications)
Results x x
User Readable x
ASCII Format x x
Readable by Aspen x x x
Properties User
Interface
Upward Compatible x x
Portable across x x
different hardware
platforms

Managing Files in a Client-Server
Environment
You can run the Aspen Properties user interface and the calculation
engine:
• On the same computer
• On different computers in your network
Usually, you do not need to be aware of how or where Aspen
Properties is installed. However, you should be aware of some file
management issues, described in the following sections.
The local computer is where the Aspen Properties user interface is
running. The host computer is where the Aspen Properties
calculation engine is running.
Specifying the If you have not specified a working directory, files created by the
Working Directory on Aspen Properties calculation engine are stored in your default
the Host Computer login directory on the host computer. To specify the working
directory where the calculation engine should execute:
1 From the Run menu, click Connect to Engine.
2 In the Connect to Engine dialog box, specify the working
directory using the full path name.
3 Click OK.
Note: The host computer is where the Aspen Properties calculation

engine is running.
Saving Files When you save an Aspen Properties problem as a Document

(.aprop) file using Save or Save As from the File menu, Aspen
Properties creates these files in the following locations:
File Location
filename.aprop Local directory where you are running the user
interface, or the directory specified on the Save As
dialog box
filename.his Working directory on the host computer specified in
the Connect to Engine dialog box
filename.aprbkp Working directory on the host computer specified in
Filename.aprpdf Working directory on the host computer specified in
Viewing and Saving To copy the Aspen Properties history file from the host computer
the History File to your local computer:
1 From the View menu, click History. Aspen Properties uses
your file editor to display the history file.

2 Use the text editor’s File menu to save the file to your local
directory.
Tip: If the history file is large, copying the history file to your
local computer can take a long time. In such a case, you should log
onto the host computer and view the file directly.
Specifying the Text You can specify the Text Editor to be used when viewing the Input
Editor Summary and the History file. To specify the text editor:
1 From the Tools menu, click Options.
2 Click the Startup tab.
3 In the Text Editor box, type the name of the editor.
4 Click OK.

C H A P T E R 12
Customizing Your Aspen

Properties Environment
Overview
Configuration options are default settings that affect how you use
Aspen Properties. For example, configuration options enable you
to specify:
• Grid and scale settings
• Default Application Template file
• Which binary databanks are used as defaults
For help on customizing your Aspen Properties environment, see
one of the following topics:
• Choosing settings for the current problem
• Choosing settings for all problems
• Specifying your default options
• Customizing Application Template files
Choosing Settings for the Current

Problem
To change your configuration option settings for the current
problem:
From the You can select
View menu Any command
Tools menu Options
Window menu Any command
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Customizing Your Aspen Properties Environment • 12-1
Customizing Settings for All
Problems
To create a custom environment for subsequent Aspen Properties
problems:
1 Open a blank problem.
2 Customize the settings, then exit.
You do not need to save the blank problem.
Your customized settings are saved in the Windows registry
and are used for all subsequent problems. If you modify any
settings, the new settings are used in subsequent problems.
Note: Some settings are saved with the calculation. If a setting that
is saved with a calculation differs from the setting in the registry,
the setting that is saved with the calculation will be used for that
calculation; however, subsequent calculations will use the setting
that is in the registry.
Using Toolbars The buttons on a specific toolbars cannot be customized. However,

the toolbars can be viewed, hidden, or moved to another location.
Toolbar settings are not saved with the calculation file. The toolbar
configuration is saved in the registry and will be used for all
subsequent files that are opened in Aspen Properties.
These toolbars are available:
Toolbar Buttons
Standard Standard Windows buttons used for basic operations
New, Open, Save, Cut, Print, Print Preview, Copy,
Paste, Help
Data Browser Buttons used to display the next required step, the
Data Browser, or one of its various elements
Simulation Run Buttons used to control the calculation
Detherm Buttons used for Detherm application to retrieve
physical property data from the Internet or from the
local Detherm server
CAPE-OPEN Buttons used for import and export of CAPE-OPEN
property package
Viewing Toolbars You can choose which toolbars are shown in the main window of
Aspen Properties. To do this:
1 From the View menu, click Toolbar.
2 Select the check box of each toolbar you want to view.
12-2 • Customizing Your Aspen Properties Environment Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
The toolbars that are checked are those that appear by default.
See Using Toolbars for more information on using the toolbars.
Moving Toolbars Toolbars can be positioned elsewhere in the window. To do this:
1 Click and hold down the mouse button on the edge of the
toolbar you wish to move.
2 Drag the toolbar to the desired location, which can be either:
• On any edge (top, bottom, or sides) of the Aspen Properties
window
• In the center of the window
Specifying Default Options

There are various options you can set as defaults. To do this:
• From the Tools menu, click Options.
The Options dialog box appears.
This table shows which tab to use:
To Use this tab
Specify general options such as input completion General
option and the default method to save documents
Specify the databank search order Component Data
Specify information for a remote server Remote Server
Specify startup options for a new problem such as Startup
application template, and working directory
Specify the default fonts, grid style, line style, Plots
marker size, and time stamp components used
when creating plots
Select if a legend and time stamp are displayed by
default.
Specify default options for opening files from Upward
older versions of Aspen Properties or from Aspen Compatibility
Plus
Using the General From the Tools menu, click Options, then click General. The
Tab General tab is used to specify general options related to making the
calculation, saving Aspen Properties documents, and making OLE
links between an Aspen Properties problem and another
application.
The following parameters are available on the Tools Options
General tab:
Use this box To Saved with
Calculation?
Allow run only Allow a run only when input is complete Yes
when input is Turning off this option allows you to initiate an interactive or batch run
complete even if the status in the toolbar is not Required Input Complete.
This option is primarily for advanced users who are familiar with keyword
input language.
Edit Keyword Edit the input language file before beginning calculation No
Input Before Aspen Properties displays the generated input language file in your editor
Starting before starting interactive calculations. This gives you a chance to make
Calculations small modifications or additions to the file, or to diagnose problems. These
modifications will not be reflected on the input forms.
This feature is intended for advanced users who are familiar with keyword
input language.
Calculation?
Accounting Allow a run only when accounting information has been completed. No
information When this option is checked, you are required to specify accounting
required to information on the Setup Specifications Accounting sheet. The accounting
complete inputinformation includes an account number, a project ID, a project name, and
a user name. This is stored for the run by the Aspen Properties Accounting
System, if it is active for your installation.
Always create Always create backup copy. No
backup copy When this option is checked, an Aspen Properties backup format file
(*.bkp) is created whenever an Aspen Properties document file (*.apw) is
saved. This is used as an additional backup safety mechanism. The
document file (*.apw) allows you to quickly restart previously saved
calculation, using a binary file. The backup file (*.bkp) stores the same run
information in a condensed ASCII file.
Save Aspen Specify the default method to save documents. No
Properties Saving documents as document files (*.apw) allows you to quickly restart
documents as previously saved calculation, using a binary file. Saving as backup files
(*.bkp) stores the same run information in a condensed ASCII file.
Copy buffer Specify what information is included when a cell is copied into the copy Yes
format buffer.
Every variable, when copied for OLE links, occurs with four attributes:
Value, Units, Label, and Basis. You can set the default attributes here, or
you can specify the attributes you need, from the Edit menu by clicking
Copy with Format.
Pro/II Input Select this box to always retain the information which Aspen Properties is No
Conversion capable of mapping from the Pro/II input file to Aspen Properties
Option variables.
Time Stamp Specify what information is included on a time stamp and whether the time Yes
stamp is automatically updated.
The Time Stamp dialog box allows you to modify the default time stamp
information (time, date, username, runid, and Aspen Properties version) for
the order of the elements and for which elements are included in the time
stamp. You can also select whether to have the time stamp update
automatically.
Using the Component Use the Component Data tab to:
Data Tab • Change the databanks search order
• Choose which databanks are searched
• Copy regression and estimation results onto Parameters forms
• Generate input language using component name or component
alias
Changing Databanks The order in which the pure and binary components databanks are
Search Order searched can be changed using the Tools Options Components
Data dialog box.
To change the pure and binary component databank search order:
1 From the Tools menu, click Options.
2 Click the Component Data tab.
3 In the Searched list, click the databank that you want to
reorder.
4 Click the up or down arrow to reorder the databank.
The databank at the top of the list is searched first. The data found
first for a component or a component pair is the data that is used in
the calculation.
See Example of Reordering Databanks to see an example of
reordering databanks.
About the Pure This specifies which purecomponent databanks Aspen Properties
Component Databank will search and the search order for all calculations.
Search Order
The order in which the databanks are listed is the order in which
Aspen Properties searches for data. For a specific calculation run,
you may change the list and order on the Components
Specifications Databanks sheet.
About the Binary This specifies which binary parameter databanks Aspen Properties
Databank Search Order will search and the search order for all calculations.
The order in which the databanks are listed is the order in which
Aspen Properties searches for data. These databanks contain:
• Binary parameters for equation of state models.
• Binary parameters for Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC models.
• Henry’s law constants.
• Binary and pair parameters for electrolyte NRTL models.
For a specific parameter in a particular run, you may change the
list and order on the Properties Parameters Binary Interaction and
the Properties Parameters Electrolyte Pair folders.
Choosing Which To move a databank to the Searched list:
Databanks are Searched
1 Click the databank you wish to move.
2 Click the right arrow to move the databank to the Searched list.
To move a databank from the Searched list:
1 Click the databank you wish to move.
2 Click the left arrow to move the databank to the Not Searched
list.
To move all of the databanks at once from one list to the other:
• Click the appropriate double arrow.
Reorder the databanks using the up and down arrows.
Example of Reordering For pure component data, the PURE10 databank is searched first,
Databanks the AQUEOUS databank is searched second and then, the SOLIDS
and INORGANIC databanks are searched, in that order.
The AQU92, ASPENPCD, COMBUST, POLYMER, PURE856
and PURE93 databanks are not searched at all.
For binary data, the ENRTL-RK databank is searched followed by
the VLE-IG, VLE-RK, VLE-HOC, LLE-LIT and LLE-ASPEN
databanks. ASPEN-BM is not searched at all.
Copying Regression and You can retrieve regression or estimation parameter results and
Estimation Results display them on the Parameters forms. To do this:
• On the Components Data tab, check the Copy regression and
estimation results onto Parameters forms box.
The parameters will be used in all subsequent runs.
When this check box is clear, the parameters are available on the
appropriate Physical Properties Parameters form, using the drop
down list, but are not displayed on the forms. The parameters will
not be used in subsequent runs.
Changing Defaults for You can use the Components Data tab to select whether you
Generating Input generate input language using Component name or Component
Language alias.
Use the Formula column (up to 12 characters) or the Component
Name column (up to 32 characters) on the Components
Specifications Selection sheet to generate the COMPONENTS
paragraph in the Aspen Properties input file.
Using the Plots Tab Use the Tools Options Plots tab to specify the default fonts, grid
style, line style, and marker size used when creating plots. This tab
is also used to select if a legend and time stamp are displayed by
default.
The following parameters are available on the Tools Options Plots
tab:
calculation
Default Fonts Change the default font for the Title, No
Axis label, Axis scale, and Annotation
Grid Style Define the type of grid for the plot. No
Mesh, Horizontal, Vertical, or No grid
can be selected.
Line Style Select the line style for the data curves. No
Lines & markers, Lines, or Markers can
be selected.
Marker Size Select the size for the markers. Values No
from 1-20 can be selected.
Show Legend Show a legend No
Show Time Show a time stamp No
Stamp
Using the Remote Use the Tools Options Remote Server tab to specify information
Server Tab for a remote server.
Remote Server tab:
Calculation
Server Type Specify the Server type for remote No
server for calculation engine.
Server Name Specify the name of the remote server. No
Username Specify the Username for the account No
on the remote server.
Working Specify the working directory on the No
Directory remote server.
Using the Startup Tab Use the Tools Options Startup tab to specify startup options for a
new run.
Startup tab:
Use this box To
Application Select the default application template
template
Default Select the default working directory for Aspen
working Properties calculations. All new files will be created in
directory the specified working directory.
This does not affect any existing files that you open - all
the files, including temporary ones, will be created in the
directory where the file is.
Default Select which tab of the Templates dialog box is the
template default displayed when selecting a template to use to
directory begin the creation of a new Aspen Plus simulation.
Favorite
working Select which directory the favorites button ( ) jumps
directory to.
More files Select which directory "More Files" starts in when this
starts with option is selected from the initial new/open simulation
screen when Aspen Plus is starting up.
Enable forms Enable the forms for Aspen Plus layered products
for layered These options are not available for layered products that
products are not installed.
Text Editor Select the default text editor
Specify the text editor to use for editing ASCII files that
are obtained from the View Input Summary, History and
Report commands from the View menu.
Print Text File Select the command used to print
Command
Using the Upward Use the Upward Compatibility tab to set the default options for
Compatibility Tab opening and importing backup files created with previous versions
of Aspen Properties, created with the Calculation Engine, or
created with Aspen Plus.
You can also specify whether Aspen Properties should display the
Upward Compatibility dialog box when opening such backup files.
Using the Window Menu
The following parameters are available on the Window menu:
Use this option To
Cascade Create a cascade of all of the open windows
Tile Tile all of the open windows
Arrange Icons Arrange the icons of any minimized windows
Normal The main properties window is displayed in the
program window.
Workbook Select if the Windows are displayed using Workbook
mode
Using Workbook Use Workbook mode to help organize all of your open windows.
Mode In Workbook mode, each window has a tab that appears at the
bottom of the screen. This makes it easy to see which windows are
open.
To use Workbook mode:

• From the Window menu, click Workbook.
To make the desired window current:
• Click the appropriate tab at the bottom of your screen.
Tip: You can also select any visible part of a window behind the
current window by clicking it.
Customizing Application Template
Files
An Application Template file contains calculation defaults
commonly used by specific industries or companies. You can
select an Application Template when you create a new run. You
can use and modify a built-in file, or you can create your own
Application Template files.
Use the built-in Application Templates as a guide when creating
your own customized Application Template files.
There is no limit to the amount of information that can be included
in a template: setup information, components, unit sets, property
specifications, and even unit operation models can all be saved in a
template if desired. Too much information may be inconvenient;
however, objects or specifications in a template can be deleted if
they are not needed in a calculation.
Note: Application Template files are not intended for problem

specifications, such as when you want to save defaults or partial
specifications for a particular process or unit. In such cases, create
a backup file or an insert instead of an Application Template file.
Saving a Template File To save an Aspen Properties template file:

1 From the File menu, select Save As.
2 Select Aspen Properties Templates (*.aprt) from the Save as
Type list.
directory.
4 Click Save.
Tip: If you save your customized templates in a folder inside the

Templates folder, they will appear as a separate tab on the New
dialog box.
The format for a Aspen Properties template file is the same as for a
backup file; therefore, it is possible to create a template from a
backup file by simple changing the extension from .aprbkp to .aprt.
Importing a Template File To import an Aspen Properties template file:

1 From the File menu, select Import.
2 Select Aspen Properties Template (*.aprt) from the Files of
Type list.
directory.
4 Click Open.
that have the same ID as objects in the current run. You must
resolve the ID conflict as appropriate.
C H A P T E R 13
Specifying Electrolyte
Chemistry
Overview
This topic describes how to define electrolyte reaction chemistry in
Aspen Properties including:
• About Electrolyte Chemistry
• Specifying Electrolyte Chemistry
About Electrolytes Chemistry

In electrolyte systems, molecular species dissociate partially or
completely in solution and/or precipitate as salts. Examples include
the following systems:
• Sour water (H2S-NH3-CO2-Water)
• Amines
• Acids (HCl-Water)
• Brine (NaCl-Water)
Electrolyte systems are characterized by their base molecular
components (the apparent components), and by:
• Species resulting from dissociation and/or precipitation, such
as ions and salts
• Compounds formed through chemical reactions among the
species
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Specifying Electrolyte Chemistry • 13-1

There are three types of electrolyte reactions:
Type Example
Partial dissociation equilibria HCl + H2O ↔ H3O+ + Cl–
Salt precipitation equilibria NaCl (Salt) ↔ Na+ + Cl–
Complete dissociation NaCl (liquid phase) → Na+ + Cl–
Equilibrium constants are required to model equilibrium reactions.
They can be calculated from correlations (as a function of
temperature) or from Gibbs free energy.
Collectively the species and reactions are referred to as the
electrolyte chemistry. Electrolyte chemistry must be modeled
correctly for accurate calculation results. Normally this requires
expert knowledge of the solution chemistry. In most cases,
however, the Aspen Properties Electrolyte Wizard can generate the
species and reactions for you, using a built-in knowledge base of
reactions, equilibrium constant data, and possible ionic species.
Specifying Electrolyte Chemistry

To specify the electrolyte chemistry for a calculation, you must:
1 Define the complete set of components present (including ions,
salts, and other species generated by reaction) on the
Components Specification Selection sheet.
2 Define the stoichiometry and reaction type, using the Reactions
Chemistry Stoichiometry sheet.
3 Specify the concentration basis, the temperature approach to

equilibrium, and coefficients for the equilibrium constant
13-2 • Specifying Electrolyte Chemistry Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

expression, using the Reactions Chemistry
EquilibriumConstants sheet.
It is recommended that you use the Electrolyte Wizard to define

both the components and reactions. The Electrolyte Wizard:
• Uses a built-in knowledge base to generate the electrolyte
components and reactions
• Accesses the Aspen Properties electrolyte reaction database for
equilibrium constant data
You can define your own electrolyte chemistry, or you can view or
modify the chemistry generated by the Electrolyte Wizard.
To define, view, or modify electrolyte chemistry:
1 From the Data menu, point to Reactions then Chemistry.
2 To create a new Chemistry ID, click New on the Reactions
Chemistry Object Manager. Enter an ID in the Create new ID
dialog box or accept the default ID, and click OK.
3 To modify an existing Chemistry ID, select its name in the
Object Manager and choose Edit.
4 Follow the instructions in subsequent sections for details on
defining each type of reaction within a Chemistry ID.
The following sections explain how to create new reactions within
an existing Chemistry ID, by specifying stoichiometry and
calculations options for the equilibrium constant. You can specify
any number of reactions within a Chemistry ID.
You also can have any number of Chemistry IDs in your problem.
Because the Chemistry ID is part of the Property Method
definition, you can specify different Chemistry IDs anywhere you

use different Property Methods, such as for an Analysis or a data
regression case.
Defining Equilibrium ionic reactions describe the partial dissociation of
Stoichiometry for weak electrolyte and other liquid phase equilibria. Each
Electrolyte Chemistry equilibrium ionic reaction within a Chemistry ID is referenced
Equilibrium Ionic with a reaction number (for example, 1, 2, 3, etc.).
Reactions
To define a new reaction number and specify the stoichiometry for

an ionic equilibrium reaction:
1 On the Reactions Chemistry Stoichiometry sheet for your
Chemistry ID, click New.
2 On the Select Reaction Type dialog box, Equilibrium is the
default reaction type. Enter an ID or accept the default ID and
click OK. The ID must be an integer.
3 On the Equilibrium Reaction Stoichiometry dialog box, enter

the components and stoichiometric coefficients that make up

your reaction. Coefficients should be negative for reactants and
positive for products.
4 Click Close when finished. You should see your new reaction
listed on the Stoichiometry sheet with the information
displayed in equation form.
5 Repeat steps 1-4 for each additional ionic equilibrium reaction.
Salt Precipitation Salt precipitation reactions describe the formation or dissolution of
Reactions salts in equilibrium with the liquid phase. Each salt precipitation
reaction within a Chemistry ID is referenced by the component ID
of the salt.
To define the stoichiometry for a new salt precipitation reaction:
2 On the Select Reaction Type dialog box, select Salt in the
Choose Reaction Type frame.
3 In the Enter Salt Component ID field, select the name of the
salt for which you are defining the reaction, and click OK.
4 On the Salt Dissolution Stoichiometry dialog box, enter the
components and stoichiometric coefficients for the products
(ions) formed by the dissolution of the salt. Enter positive
stoichiometric coefficients for the products.
6 Repeat steps 1-5 for each additional salt precipitation reaction.
Complete Dissociation Complete dissociation reactions describe the complete dissociation
Reactions of strong electrolyte in the liquid phase. These reactions do not
require equilibrium constants. Each complete dissociation reaction

within a Chemistry ID is referenced by the ID of the dissociating
component.
To define the stoichiometry for a new complete dissociation
reaction:
2 On the Select Reaction Type dialog box, select Dissociation in
the Choose Reaction Type frame.
3 In the Enter Dissociating Electrolyte field, select the name of
the component for which you are defining the reaction, and
click OK.
4 On the Electrolyte Dissociation Stoichiometry dialog box, enter
the components and stoichiometric coefficients for the
dissociation products. Enter positive stoichiometric coefficients
for the products.
6 Repeat steps 1-5 for each additional complete dissociation
reaction.

Defining Equilibrium Equilibrium constants are required to model equilibrium ionic
Constants for reactions and salt precipitation reactions. Aspen Properties can
Electrolyte Chemistry calculate these equilibrium constants from correlations (as a
function of temperature) or from Gibbs free energy of the reaction.
To define how the equilibrium constants will be calculated for the
equilibrium ionic reactions and salt precipitation reactions:
1 On the Reactions Chemistry form for your Chemistry ID, select
the Equilibrium Constants sheet.
2 Choose the concentration basis for equilibrium constants in the

Concentration Basis For Keq list. The concentration basis
determines how the equilibrium constant is calculated:
Concentration Equilibrium Constant Definition
Basis
Mole-Frac (default) K = Π(xi γi)νi
Molal K = Π(mi γi)νi
Where:
K = Equilibrium constant
x = Component mole fraction
m = Molality (gmole/kg-H2O)
γ = Activity coefficient
ν = Stoichiometric coefficient
i = Component index
Π is the product operator.
All properties refer to the liquid phase.

3 You can specify a Temperature Approach to Equilibrium that
applies to all ionic equilibrium and salt precipitation reactions
defined in the Chemistry ID. The temperature approach you
specify is added to the system temperature to compute the
equilibrium constants. If you do not specify a temperature
approach, Aspen Properties uses a default value of 0.
4 Use the Hydrate-Check field to select the method that Aspen
Properties uses to determine which hydrate to precipitate when
you have specified multiple hydrates precipitation reactions for
a salt.
Hydrate-check Information
Method
Rigorous (default) Uses Gibbs free energy minimization to select the
hydrate. Allows Aspen Properties to predict the
formation of the correct hydrate for salts with
multiple hydrates.
Approximate Uses the lowest solubility product value at the
system temperature to select the hydrate. Requires
less computation time than the rigorous method.
5 Select the appropriate reaction type (Equilibrium Reaction or
Salt), and choose the appropriate reaction from the list.
6 Leave the equilibrium coefficients blank.
- or -
Enter coefficients for the built-in equilibrium constant
expression:
ln (K) = A + B / T + C*ln (T ) + D*T
Where:
K = Equilibrium constant
T = Temperature in Kelvin
A, B, C, D = User supplied coefficients
The definition of K depends on the concentration basis
selected.
If coefficients are not entered, Aspen Properties computes the
equilibrium constant from the Gibbs free energies of the
reaction.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for all ionic equilibrium reactions and salt
precipitation reactions included in the Chemistry ID. Because
complete dissociation reactions do not require equilibrium
constants, nothing on the Equilibrium Constants sheet applies to
reactions of this type.

C H A P T E R 14
Property Sets
Overview
• What is a property set
• How to specify a new or existing property set
• How to define user properties for use in property sets
About Property Sets

A property set is a collection of thermodynamic, transport, and
other properties that you can use in physical property tables and
analysis. You can also use it in other applications such as Aspen
Plus for:
• Heating and cooling curve reports
• Distillation column stage property reports and performance
specifications
• Reactor profile reports
• Design specifications and constraints
• FORTRAN blocks
• Sensitivity blocks
• Optimization
• Stream reports and report scaling
To use property sets in another application, you must include them
in a property package you create.
Aspen Properties has several built_in property sets that are
sufficient for many applications. The list of built_in property sets
is determined by the Template you choose when creating a new
run. For more information on Templates, see About the Templates
in Chapter 2. You can use a built_in property set and modify it to
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Property Sets • 14-1

fit your needs, or you can create your own property sets. To see the
built-in sets available or select one, use the drop-down list on any
property set list box. The list prompts describe the contents of each
built-in property set.
Defining a Property Set

To define a property set:
2 Double-click on the Prop-Sets folder in the left pane of the
Data Browser.
3 To create a new property set, click New. In the Create New ID
dialog box, enter a new property set ID or accept the default
ID, and click OK.
4 Once the new property set has been created, to modify it (or
any existing property set), select the name from the Object
Manager and click Edit.
On the Properties sheet of the Prop-Sets form, you can select
properties from the drop-down list in the Physical Properties field.
Choose one or more properties to be included in your property set.
When you make a selection, a prompt appears for each property.
Tip: Use the Search button to find the properties you want
included in the property set. For information on using the search
dialog box see Using the Search Dialog Box.
5 Select one or more units for the property, using the Units
fields.
If you select multiple units the property is reported in each of
the units selected.
6 On the Prop-Sets Qualifiers sheet, specify the following
qualifiers for the properties to be calculated:
• Phase (total mixture, total liquid, vapor, 1st or 2nd liquid,
and solid)
• Components
• 2nd liquid key components (key component to identify the
2nd liquid phase)
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Percent distilled(points on petroleum distillation curves)
• Water basis (wet or dry)
14-2 • Property Sets Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Some qualifiers, such as temperature and pressure are optional.
For more information, see Aspen Properties Physical Property
Data, Chapter 4.
When you select multiple units and qualifiers, Aspen Properties
computes the properties for each units specification and each valid
combination of qualifiers.
Using the Search If you want to search for a property by its common name, click the
Dialog Box Search button on the Prop-Sets Properties sheet. A dialog box
appears where you can type the name or a fragment of the name of
the property you want. To add a property to your property set,
select the property you desire and click Add. Once you have added
all the properties you want, click OK to return to the Prop-Sets
form.
Specifying Phase The default for phase is Total. If a property cannot accept Total
Qualifiers phase as a qualifier, you must enter an appropriate alternative
(Liquid, Vapor, 1st liquid, 2nd liquid, or Solid).
The phases you select should be consistent with the type of
calculation desired. For example, 1st liquid and 2nd liquid options
should be used when two liquid phases are present in the system.
Specifying By default, Aspen Properties calculates properties at the system
Temperature and conditions, e.g., at the temperature and pressure conditions
Pressure Qualifiers specified on the interactive Analysis dialog boxes or on the
Analysis Variables sheet. Alternatively, you can specify the
temperature and pressure for property calculations in the
Temperature and Pressure fields of the Prop-Sets Qualifiers sheet.
For flash calculations, these temperature and pressure
specifications do not affect the flash results – vapor fraction or
vapor and liquid compositions. The requested properties of the
equilibrium phases will be evaluated at the specified conditions,
however. Aspen Properties determines the units for the
Temperature and Pressure specifications from the Units-Set you
specify.
User-Defined Properties
You can define your own properties for use in property sets. You
must supply a Fortran subroutine to calculate each property. See
Aspen Properties User Models for more information about writing
the user subroutines.
To define an additional property for use in property sets:
2 Open the Advanced folder by double-clicking on it in the left
pane of the Data Browser.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Property Sets • 14-3

3 Select UserProperties.
4 On the UserProperties Object Manager, click New.
5 Enter a user property ID or accept the default ID, and click OK.
6 On the Specifications sheet, select whether your user property
will be a standard property or an Assay curve property.
7 For standard properties, enter the name of the subroutine to be
used for calculating the property, in the User Subroutine Name
field.
8 Use the remaining fields on the Specifications sheet to enter
information about the property.
9 On the Units sheet, specify whether you want any units
conversion to be performed automatically by Aspen Properties,
or within your user subroutine.
The properties you defined will be available for use on the Prop-
Sets Properties Sheet.
14-4 • Property Sets Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

C H A P T E R 15
Analyze Properties
Overview
After you complete property specifications, you should analyze the
properties predicted by your model to ensure correct results. You
can do this using the Aspen Properties Property Analysis feature.
Property Analysis generates tables of physical property values,
which can be plotted to visualize and better understand the
behavior of properties as predicted by your property specifications.
You can access Property Analysis via the following methods:
• Many commonly used tables and plots can be generated
quickly and easily through an interactive method accessed from
the Tools menu.
• Alternatively, generating Property Analyses from the
Properties Analysis folder in the Data Browser Menu provides
the most flexibility.
This section discusses using the Property Analysis features.
About Property Analysis

The Property Analysis feature generates tables of properties from
variations in:
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Vapor fraction
• Heat duty
• Composition
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Analyze Properties • 15-1

The tables include property values that are defined using Property
Sets, and can consist of thermodynamic, transport, and other
derived properties.
Generating Property Analyses

Interactively
This topic describes how to generate many common analyses
interactively, using the Analysis commands from the Tools menu.
This method automates many of the steps required to generate a
Property Analysis, and defines built-in plots that provide quick and
easy access to commonly used information.
If the information you require can be generated from the
interactive Analysis commands, this is always quicker and easier
than creating the Analysis using forms.
If you require property information that is not available from the
interactive Analysis commands, you should create the Analysis
manually using forms.
You can use the interactive Analysis commands at any time after
you complete the properties specifications.
The interactive Analysis commands can generate:
• Pure component properties
• Properties for binary systems
• Residue maps for ternary systems
Pure Component Use the interactive Analysis Pure commands to calculate and
Properties display pure component properties as a function of temperature to:
• Check pure component data and parameter values
• Compare properties for components that belong to the same
family. Family plots can reveal incorrect trends.
• Determine whether the property is extrapolated correctly when
temperatures are outside correlation limits
To generate pure component properties as a function of
temperature, using the interactive Analysis Pure commands:
1 Ensure your Setup, Components, and Properties specifications
are complete.
2 From the Tools menu, click Analysis, then Pure.
15-2 • Analyze Properties Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

On the Pure Component Properties Analysis dialog box, most
of the required information is set to defaults, including:
Item Information
Property The global property method is used, as specified on the
Method Properties Specifications Global sheet. You can select
any Property Method that appears on the Properties
Specifications form.
Temperature The default is a temperature range from 0 to 25°C. You
can enter a new range by modifying the lower and upper
temperatures, or you can change from a temperature
range to a temperature list, and specify a list of discreet
temperature values.
Number of The default is 41 points. You can change the number of
points to be points, or enter a temperature increment
tabulated
Pressure The default is 1 atm. You must change the default for
vapor properties, for liquid properties near the critical
point., and properties generated from EOS property
methods
3 From the Property list box, select the property to be tabulated.
The Property list box displays the properties of the type shown in
the Property Type list box.
To focus your search for a property, you can change the property
type to Thermodynamic or Transport. To see a list of all available
properties, change the property type to All.
This table shows the available thermodynamic properties:
Property Property
Availability Free energy
Constant pressure heat capacity Enthalpy
Heat capacity ratio Fugacity coefficient
Constant volume heat capacity Fugacity coefficient pressure
correction
Free energy departure Vapor pressure †
Free energy departure pressure Density
correction
Enthalpy departure Entropy
Enthalpy departure pressure Volume
correction
Enthalpy of vaporization † Sonic velocity
Entropy departure
† Ideal and activity coefficient property methods only

This table shows the available transport properties:
Property Property
Thermal conductivity Surface tension
Viscosity
Optionally you can specify the units for the selected property in the
Units list. If you do not specify the units, they will be determined
by the output results Units-set specified on the Setup
4 Select the phase(s) for which you want the property to be
reported, by clicking one or more of the Phase check boxes:
Vapor, Liquid or Solid. Liquid is the default. Not all phases are
valid for all properties. For a list of valid phases for each
property, see Aspen Properties Physical Property Data,
chapter 4.
5 Choose components by selecting one or more from the
Available Components list, and clicking the right arrow button
to move them to the Selected Components list.
6 When finished, click Go to generate the results.
– or –
Click Save As Form to save the interactive Property Analysis

you have created to forms within the Properties Analysis
section of the Data Browser menu. Saving an interactive
Property Analysis as forms, allows you to preserve the input
and results of this Property Analysis to view or modify at a
later time. For more information on using forms to create
Property Analyses, see Creating A Property Analysis Using
Forms.
Aspen Properties calculates the property at the temperature
values you specify. Results appear in a form window and a
plot. The plot displays results for all components you select.
Properties for Binary You can generate common phase diagrams for binary systems to:
Systems • Check the validity of data and parameter values
• Assess the degree of nonideality
• Check for existence of azeotropes
• Check for existence of two liquid phases
• Check quality of extrapolation of the model
To generate properties for binary systems use the Analysis Binary
commands. To do this:
1 Ensure your Setup, Components, and Properties specifications
are complete.

2 From the Tools menu, click Analysis, then Binary.
3 On the Binary Analysis dialog box, choose the type of Analysis
in the Analysis Type list box:
Use analysis type To tabulate
Txy Temperature (T) versus liquid (x) and vapor (y)
compositions at given pressures
Pxy Pressure (P) versus liquid (x) and vapor (y)
compositions at given temperatures
Gibbs energy of Gibbs energy of mixing versus liquid
mixing compositions at given temperatures and pressures.
Used to detect the formation of two liquid phases.
For all three types of Binary Analysis, you can accept the default
settings or specify the following information:
Item Information
Components Two are required. Use the Component 1 and
Component 2 lists to choose the pair of
components you wish to study. Only conventional
components that are not solids or ions are allowed.
Defaults are the first two conventional
components listed on the Components
Composition basis - The default is mole fraction.
Mole fraction or mass
fraction
Composition This designates which component’s composition is
component varied to generate the results. The default is the
component selected as Component 1.
Composition - range To determine at what compositions Aspen
or list Properties will perform its calculations, you can
specify a composition range or a composition list.
The default is the full composition range between
pure component 1 and pure component 2. You can
either modify the default composition range, or
change to a composition list, and specify a list of
discreet compositions.
Number of points to The default is 41 points. You can modify the
generate number of points, or specify an increment of
composition. Note that this only applies when
using a composition range.
Property Method, Defaults are obtained from the Properties
Henry Components, Specifications Global sheet. For electrolyte
Chemistry ID, and systems, you should use the apparent components
Calculation approach approach.
The remaining specifications for an interactive Binary Analysis
depend on the Analysis type.

Completing the To complete the specifications for a Txy type Binary Analysis, you
Specifications for Txy can either modify the following specifications or accept the
Binary Analysis defaults.
For You can specify The default is
Valid Rigorous Vapor-Liquid, Vapor-Liquid- Vapor-Liquid
Phases Liquid, or Vapor-Liquid-FreeWater
calculations
Pressure(s) You may specify a single pressure, or A single
multiple pressures by entering a list of pressure of 1
values, or by giving a range of values. If you atm
choose to specify a range of values, you
must enter number of points or an increment
size.
When finished, you can simply click the Go button to generate the
Txy diagram, or you can first click the Save As Form button to
save the interactive Property Analysis you have created, to forms
within the Properties Analysis section of the Data Browser menu.
Saving an interactive Property Analysis as forms allows you to
preserve the input and results of this Property Analysis to view or
modify at a later time. For more information on using forms to
create Property Analyses, see Generating Property Analyses Using
Forms, later this chapter.
Aspen Properties displays the results in tabular form in a form
window and as a plot. If you specify more than one pressure, Txy
diagrams for all the pressures appear on a single plot. In addition to
the Txy diagram, you can display other plots from the Txy analysis
results using the Plot Wizard. The following plots are available:
Type of Plot Description
TXY Temperature versus liquid and vapor composition
TX Temperature versus liquid composition
YX Vapor versus liquid composition
Gamma Liquid activity coefficients of both components versus
liquid composition
KVL K-values of both components versus liquid composition
Displaying Plots from Txy To display these plots:
Analysis
1 On the Binary Analysis Results window containing the tabular
data, click the Plot Wizard button.
2 On the Plot Wizard Step 1 window, click Next.
3 On the Plot Wizard Step 2 window, click the plot type you
want.

4 To accept default plot settings, click Finish to generate the plot.
Otherwise, click Next to enter additional settings and follow
the remaining steps.
5 On the Plot Wizard Step 3 window, in the Component to Plot
list box choose a component for which compositions will be
displayed. If applicable, specify units for the plot variables.
6 Click Finish to accept defaults for the remaining plot settings
and generate the plot.
– or –
Click Next to enter additional settings.
7 On the Plot Wizard Step 4 window, you can modify the
defaults for plot title, axis titles, display options, grid or line
type.
8 Click Finish to generate the plot.
Completing the To complete the specifications for a Pxy type Binary Analysis, you
Specifications for Pxy can either modify the following specifications or accept the
Binary Analysis defaults:
For You can specify The default is
Valid Phases Rigorous Vapor-Liquid, Vapor-Liquid- Vapor-Liquid
Liquid, or Vapor-Liquid-FreeWater
calculations
Temperature(s) More than one temperature by entering A single
a list of values, or by giving a range of temperature of
values. 25°C
If you choose to specify a range of
values, you must enter number of points
or an increment size.
When finished, click Go to generate the Pxy diagram, or click Save
As Form to save the interactive Property Analysis to forms within
the Data Browser.
Saving an interactive Property Analysis as forms enables you to
modify at a later time.
For more information on using forms to create Property Analyses,
see Generating Property Analyses Using Forms.
window and as a plot. If you specify more than one temperature,
Pxy diagrams for all the temperatures appear on a single plot.
In addition to the Pxy diagram, you can display other plots from
the Pxy analysis results using the Plot Wizard. The following plots
are available:

Type of Plot Description
PXY Pressure versus liquid and vapor composition
PX Pressure versus liquid composition
YX Vapor versus liquid composition
Gamma Liquid activity coefficients of both components versus
liquid composition
KVL K-values of both components versus liquid composition
Displaying Plots from Pxy To display Pxy plots:
Analysis
1 On the Binary Analysis Results window containing the tabular
data, click the Plot Wizard button. The results window is
behind the plot window.
2 On the Plot Wizard Step 1 window, click Next.
3 On the Plot Wizard Step 2 window, click the plot type you
want.
4 To accept default plot settings, click Finish to generate the plot.
Otherwise, click Next to enter additional settings.
5 On the Plot Wizard window, in the Component to Plot list box
choose a component for which compositions will be displayed.
If applicable, specify units for the resulting plot.
6 Click Finish to accept defaults for the remaining plot settings
and generate the plot.
– or –
Click Next to enter additional settings.
7 On the Plot Wizard Step 4 window, you can modify the
defaults for plot title, axis titles, display options, grid type or
marker size. You can also specify whether you want the plot to
be automatically updated when new results are available.
8 Click Finish to generate the plot.
Completing the To complete the specifications for a Gibbs Energy of Mixing type
Specifications for Gibbs Binary Analysis, you can either modify the following
Energy of Mixing specifications or accept the defaults.
Item Information
Units of Gibbs If you do not specify the units, they will be determined
energy by the Units-set specified on the Setup Specifications
Global sheet.
Pressure The default is 1 atm
Temperature(s) The default is 25°C. You can specify more than one
temperature, by entering a list of temperatures, or you
can specify a range of temperatures and a number of
points or an increment size.

When finished, click Go to generate the Gibbs energy of mixing
versus x diagram, or click Save As Form to save your interactive
Property Analysis to forms within the Data Browser.
Saving an interactive Property Analysis as forms enables you to
modify at a later time.
For more information on using forms to create Property Analyses,
see Generating Property Analyses Using Forms.
window and as a plot. If you specify more than one temperature,
Gibbs energy of mixing diagrams for all the temperatures appear
on a single plot.
Residue Curves Residue Curves (or maps) plot the composition trajectories of a
ternary mixture undergoing distillation at total reflux. You can use
them to visualize the presence of azeotropes and the constraints
azeotropes impose on the degree of separation.
Use Residue Curves to predict feasible splits, select entrainers, and
analyze potential column operability problems.
Use Residue Curves with nonideal chemical systems, and property
methods that represent such systems. Examples are activity-
coefficient-based property methods, such as NRTL, Wilson,
UNIQUAC, and UNIFAC.
Warning: Do not use electrolyte property methods.
Generating Residue To generate Residue Curves using the interactive Analysis Residue
Curves commands:
1 Make sure your Setup, Components, and Properties
specifications are complete.
2 From the Tools menu, point to Analysis, then Residue.

3 On the Residue Curves dialog box, Aspen Properties fills in
defaults for all the required information. You can accept the
defaults, or make changes to any of the following information:
Item Information
Components Three are required. Use the Component 1, Component 2,
and Component 3 lists to choose the three components
you wish to study. Only conventional components that
are not solids or ions are allowed. Defaults are the first
three conventional components listed on the
Components Specifications Selection sheet.
Pressure The default is 1 atm
Valid Phases You can specify rigorous two phase (Vapor-Liquid) or
three phase (Vapor-Liquid-Liquid) calculations. The
default is Vapor-Liquid.
Number of You can select 3-5 Curves, 10-15 Curves, or 15-20
curves Curves.
Property Defaults are obtained from the Properties Specifications
options Global sheet. For electrolyte systems, Aspen Properties
uses the apparent components approach.
4 When finished, click Go to generate the residue curves, or first
click the Save As Form button to save your interactive Property
Analysis to forms within the Data Browser.
Saving an interactive Property Analysis as forms enables you
to preserve the input and results of this Property Analysis to
view or modify at a later time.
Aspen Properties displays the results in tabular form, in a form
window and as a triangular plot.
Generating Property Analyses Using

Forms
In addition to the many tables and plots available through
interactive Property Analysis, generating Property Analyses using
forms provides the most flexibility because it:
• Generates tables of physical property values using
specifications you enter on the Properties Analysis forms
• Allows you to report and study any property that you define in
Property Sets
In general, you should only use manual Property Analysis when
you need functionality that is not available within the simpler
interactive Analysis commands.

The following Property Analyses types are available using forms:
Property Analysis For
Type
Pure Evaluation of pure component properties as a
function of temperature and pressure
Binary Generating common phase diagrams for binary
systems, such as Txy, Pxy, or Gibbs energy of
mixing curves
Generic Property evaluations for multi-phase mixtures from
flash calculations, or single-phase mixtures without
flash calculations
PT-Envelope Pressure-temperature envelopes and properties along
a constant vapor fraction line
Residue Generating residue curve maps which plot the
composition trajectories of a ternary mixture
undergoing distillation at total reflux
You cannot create Pure and Binary analyses using forms. You
must use the interactive Analysis commands for these analysis
types because the appropriate property sets are defined
automatically. You can modify these analysis types using forms,
but you should not modify the prop-sets created by the interactive
Analysis because the Plot Wizard may not produce the correct
plots.
Unlike the interactive method for using Property Analysis, when
generating Analyses from forms, you must run the calculation to
generate results.
Creating A Property To manually create a Property Analysis using forms:
Analysis Using 1 Make sure your Setup, Components, and Properties
Forms specifications are complete.
3 From the left pane of the Data Browser menu, click the
Analysis folder.
4 On the Properties Analysis Object Manager, click New.
5 On the Create New ID dialog box, select the type of Analysis
you want to create in the Select Type list.
6 Enter an ID for the new Analysis, or accept the default ID.
7 Click OK.
The remaining specifications for using forms to generate a
Property Analysis depend on the Analysis type. The following
sections provide instructions for specifying each type of
Analysis.

When creating Property Analyses on forms, there are three types:
Property Analysis For
Type
Generic Property evaluations for multi-phase mixtures from
flash calculations, or single-phase mixtures without
flash calculations
PT-Envelope Pressure-temperature envelopes and properties along
a constant vapor fraction line
Residue Generating residue curve maps which plot the
composition trajectories of a ternary mixture
undergoing distillation at total reflux
Pure You must use the interactive Analysis commands to define your
analysis, save the specifications as forms using the Save As Form
button, then edit the form to add additional specifications. Use
forms to modify pure component Property Analyses only when
you need flexibility not afforded by the simpler interactive
Analysis commands (for example results at multiple pressures).
Binary You must use the interactive Analysis commands to define your
analysis, save the specifications as forms using the Save As Form
button, then edit the form to add additional specifications.
Generic Use the Property Analysis Generic form to generate tables of
properties of either:
• Multi-phase mixtures (for example, vapor and liquid) resulting
from flash calculations
• Single-phase mixtures without flash calculations
The generic type of Property Analysis is the most flexible.
To generate a generic Property Analysis using forms:
1 On the System sheet of the Properties Analysis Generic Input
form, click one of the options in the Generate frame to specify
whether you want to generate properties at points along a flash
curve for a multi-phase mixture resulting from flash
calculations, or at points for single-phase mixtures without
flash calculations.
Click either Points Along a Flash Curve or Point(s) Without
Flash.
2 If you choose to generate points along a flash curve, specify the
valid phases for flash calculations in the Valid Phases list.
Choices are Vapor-Liquid, Vapor-Liquid-Liquid, or Vapor-
Liquid-FreeWater. The default is Vapor-Liquid.
3 In the System section, enter the flowrates of your system. You
can enter the component flow rates in the mole, mass or

standard liquid volume basis. To exclude a component from the
calculation, leave the Flow field blank.
4 Click the Variable sheet.
5 On the Variable sheet, specify the independent variables and
their values to be used in calculations.
Notes:
You must either vary or specify on this form two of
temperature, pressure, and vapor fraction. For adjusted
variables, specify the variable and component on this sheet. For
a given variable, click the Range/List button to specify either:
• A list of values
– or –
• Upper and lower limits for the variable and either the
number of points or the increment size.
If a mole, mass, or standard volume fraction is varied, no other
type of composition variable can be varied. For example, if a
mole fraction is varied, a mass fraction cannot also be varied.
6 Click the Tabulate sheet.
On the Tabulate sheet, specify the Property Set(s) that contain

properties you want to tabulate. To add a Property Set to the
Selected Prop-Sets list, select it from the Available Prop-Sets
list, and click the right arrow button. To select all available
Property Sets, click the double right arrow button. Use the left
arrow buttons to remove items from the Selected Prop-Sets list.
To create a new Property Set, in the Available Prop-Sets area
click right mouse, then select New. Optionally you can click
the Table Specifications button to enter a heading, change the
precision of the results, or specify the width of the tables
generated in the report file.
Further optional specifications include:

• Using the Properties sheet to change default property
methods used to generate the generic Property Analysis.
• Using the Diagnostics sheet to set how much information
you receive about warnings and errors from calculations.
Results for the generic Analysis can be viewed on the Properties
Analysis Generic Results form. For more information on Analysis
results see Examining Property Analysis Results this chapter.

Pressure- Use the PT-Envelope Property Analysis type to generate pressure-
Temperature temperature envelopes. These tables are parametric, consisting of
Envelopes one curve for each vapor fraction, through the critical point, and its
complementary vapor fraction. For example, the complementary
branch for a vapor fraction of 0.75 is 0.25.
You can generate PT-Envelopes using any property method except
electrolyte property methods (for example, ELECNRTL).
However, PT-Envelopes generated from activity coefficient-based
and other non-equation-of-state property methods will not pass
through the critical point. Instead there will be separate curves for
each vapor fraction and its complementary branch.
To generate a PT-Envelope using forms:
1 On the System sheet of the Properties Analysis PTEnvelope
Input form, enter the flow rates of your system.
2 Click the Envelope sheet. By default this sheet is already
complete.
3 On the Envelope sheet, specify the vapor fractions for which
tables will be generated. By default, Aspen Properties
generates the dew and bubble point curves (vapor fraction = 1
and 0, respectively.) You can specify additional vapor
fractions. Aspen Properties generates one curve for each vapor
fraction, through the critical point, and its complementary
vapor fraction. For example, if you specify a vapor fraction of
0.25, Aspen Properties will generate one curve for the 0.25 and
0.75 vapor fraction branches.
You can also specify these options:

• Temperature or pressure of the first point
• Maximum number of points
• Termination point
Further optional specifications include:
• Using the Tabulate sheet to specify properties to calculate in
addition to the default temperature and pressure tabulations.
Specify any additional properties by adding Property Set IDs to
the Selected Prop-Sets list (see Chapter 14). You can also click
the Table Specifications button to enter a heading, change the
precision of the results, or specify the width of the tables
generated in the Report file.
• Using the Properties sheet to change default property methods
used to generate the PT envelope.
• Using the Diagnostics sheet to set how much information you
receive about warnings and errors from calculations.

Results for the PT-Envelope can be viewed on the Properties
Analysis PT-Envelope Results form. For more information on
Analysis results see Examining Property Analysis Results this
chapter.
Residue Curves Residue Curves (or maps) plot the composition trajectories of a
ternary mixture undergoing distillation at total reflux. You can use
them to visualize the presence of azeotropes and the constraints
azeotropes impose on the degree of separation. Use Residue
Curves to predict feasible splits, select entrainers, and analyze
potential column operability problems (Doherty, 1978 and
Wahnschaft, 1992).
Use Residue Curves with nonideal chemical systems, and Property
Methods that represent such systems. Examples are activity-
coefficient-based Property Methods, such as NRTL, Wilson,
UNIQUAC, and UNIFAC.
Warning: Do not use electrolyte property methods.
To generate a Residue Curve using forms:

1 On the System sheet of the Properties Analysis Residue Input
form, specify:
• Components for the ternary mixture you want to analyze,
using the Component 1, Component 2, and Component 3
list boxes.
• System pressure using the Pressure field. The default is 1
atm.
• Whether you want Aspen Properties to perform rigorous
two-phase or three-phase calculations. Choose either
Vapor-Liquid or Vapor-Liquid-Liquid in the Valid Phases
list. The default is Vapor-Liquid.
• Number of curves to be generated. Choose either 3-5
Curves, 10-15 Curves, or 15-20 Curves. Note that more
curves require more calculation time. The default is 10-15
curves.
Optional specifications include:
• Using the Properties sheet to change default property methods
used to generate the Residue Curve.
• Using the Diagnostics sheet to set how much information you
receive about warnings and errors from calculations.
Results for the Residue Curve can be viewed on the Properties
Analysis Residue Results form.

Examining Property Analysis Results
To examine Property Analysis results:
1 From the Data menu, select Properties.
2 From the left pane of the Data Browser menu, double-click the
Analysis folder.
3 Double-click the folder for the Property Analysis you wish to
examine.
4 Click the Results folder.
References
Doherty, M.F. and Perins, J.D., Chem. Eng. Sci., (1978), Vol. 33,
p. 281
Wahnschaft, O., "The Product Composition Regions of Single-feed
Azeotropic Distillation Columns," Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., (1992),
Vol. 31, pp. 2345-2362.

C H A P T E R 16
Estimating Property Parameters
Overview
Aspen Properties stores physical property parameters in databanks
for a large number of components. If a required parameter is not in
any Aspen Properties databank, it can be:
• Entered directly
• Estimated using Property Estimation
• Regressed from experimental data using Data Regression
About Property Estimation

This topic includes the following information about estimating
parameters using Property Estimation:
• Property parameters Aspen Properties can estimate
• Defining molecular structure
• Estimating parameters
• Using experimental data to improve estimated parameters
• Comparing estimated parameters for components
• Examining parameter estimation results
Aspen Properties estimates the required parameters before it
performs other calculations, such as property analysis. If you want
Aspen Properties to perform property estimation without making
other calculation, use the Tools menu and click on Estimation.
You must uncheck this option to be able to perform property
analysis or data regression.
It is important to understand which parameters will be used if a
parameter is available from multiple sources.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Estimating Property Parameters • 16-1

If you select Estimate All Missing Parameters on the Estimation
Input form, Aspen Properties will estimate and use all missing
parameters that are required in the calculations. Parameters that are
estimated, but are not missing, will not be used in the calculations.
If you selectively specify the estimation of an individual parameter
that is required by the calculation, this estimated parameter will be
used regardless of whether another value is available in a databank,
or on a Properties Parameters input form.
What Property Parameters Can

Aspen Properties Estimate?
Property Estimation in Aspen Properties can estimate many of the
property parameters required by physical property models,
including:
• Pure component thermodynamic and transport property model
parameters
• Binary parameters for the Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC
activity coefficient models
The following tables list the property parameters Aspen Properties
can estimate.
Property Names and Estimation Methods for Pure Component Constants
Description Parameter Method Information Required †
Molecular weight MW FORMULA Structure
Normal boiling point TB JOBACK Structure
OGATA- Structure
TSUCHIDA Structure
GANI TC, PC, Vapor pressure data
MANI
Critical temperature TC JOBACK Structure, TB
LYDERSEN Structure, TB
FEDORS Structure
AMBROSE Structure, TB
SIMPLE MW, TB
GANI Structure
MANI Vapor pressure data
Critical pressure PC JOBACK Structure
LYDERSEN Structure, MW
AMBROSE Structure, MW
GANI Structure
16-2 • Estimating Property Parameters Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Critical volume VC JOBACK Structure
LYDERSEN Structure
AMBROSE Structure
RIEDEL TB, TC, PC
FEDORS Structure
GANI Structure
Critical compressibility ZC DEFINITION TC, PC, VC
factor
Standard heat of DHFORM BENSON Structure
formation JOBACK Structure
BENSONR8 Structure
GANI Structure
Standard Gibbs free DGFORM JOBACK Structure
energy of formation BENSON Structure
GANI Structure
Acentric factor OMEGA DEFINITION TC, PC, PL
LEE-KESLER TB, TC, PC
Solubility parameter DELTA DEFINITION TB, TC, PC, DHVL, VL
UNIQUAC R UNIQUAC R BONDI Structure
UNIQUAC Q UNIQUAC Q BONDI Structure
Parachor PARC PARACHOR Structure
Solid enthalpy of DHSFRM MOSTAFA Structure
formation at 25 C
Solid Gibbs energy of DGSFRM MOSTAFA Structure
formation at 25 C
Aqueous infinite dilution DGAQHG AQU-DATA DGAQFM
Gibbs energy of THERMO DGAQFM, S025C
formation for the AQU-EST1 DGAQFM
Helgeson model AQU-EST2 S025C
Aqueous infinite dilution DHAQHG AQU-DATA DGAQFM
enthalpy of formation for THERMO DGAQFM, S025C
the Helgeson model AQU-EST1 DGAQFM
AQU-EST2 S025C
Entropy at 25 C for the S25HG AQU-DATA S025C
Helgeson model THERMO DGAQFM, DHAQFM
AQU-EST1 DGAQFM
AQU-EST2 DHAQFM
Helgeson OMEGA heat OMEGHG HELGESON S25HG, CHARGE
capacity coefficient
† Structure indicates that molecular structure or functional groups
must be defined using the Properties Molecular Structure forms.
When another parameter is required, such as TB, it can come from
a databank or from another estimation method. Or you can enter it
on a Properties Parameters form.

Property Names and Estimation Methods for Temperature-Dependent
Properties
Ideal gas heat capacity CPIG DATA Ideal gas heat capacity data
BENSON Structure
JOBACK Structure
BENSONR8 Structure
Vapor pressure PL DATA Vapor pressure data
RIEDEL TB, TC, PC
LI-MA Structure, TB
MANI TC, PC, Vapor pressure data
Enthalpy of vaporization DHVL DATA Heat of vaporization data
DEFINITION TC, PC, PL
VETERE MW, TB
GANI Structure
DUCROS Structure
LI-MA Structure, TB
Liquid molar volume VL DATA Liquid molar volume data
GUNN-YAMADA TC, PC, OMEGA
LEBAS Structure
Liquid viscosity MUL DATA Liquid viscosity data
ORRICK-ERBAR Structure, MW, VL, TC, PC
LETSOU-STIEL MW, TC, PC, OMEGA
Vapor viscosity MUV DATA Vapor viscosity data
REICHENBERG Structure, MW, TC, PC
Liquid thermal KL DATA Liquid thermal conductivity data
conductivity SATO-RIEDEL MW, TB, TC
Vapor thermal KV DATA Vapor thermal conductivity data
conductivity
Surface tension SIGMA DATA Surface tension data
BROCK-BIRD TB, TC, PC
MCLEOD- TB, TC, PC, VL, PARC
SUGDEN
Solid heat capacity CPS DATA Solid heat capacity data
MOSTAFA Structure
Helgeson C heat capacity CHGPAR HG-AQU OMEGHG, CPAQ0
coefficient HG-CRIS OMEGHG, S25HG, CHARGE, IONTYP
HG-EST OMEGHG, S25HG
Liquid heat capacity CPL DATA Liquid heat capacity data
RUZICKA Structure
Data indicates that correlation parameters are determined directly
from experimental data you enter on Properties Data Pure-Comp
forms. When another parameter is required, such as TB, it can
come from a databank or from another estimation method. Or you
can enter it on a Properties Parameters form.

Aspen Properties estimates missing binary parameters only if you
request them on the Properties Estimation Input Binary sheet. If
infinite dilution activity coefficients are estimated or supplied on
the Properties Data Mixture form at only one temperature, then the
parameters in brackets [ ] are set to zero.
Property Names and Estimation Methods for Binary Parameters
Wilson parameters WILSON/2 DATA Infinite dilution activity coefficient data
[WILSON/1] UNIFAC Structure
UNIF-LL Structure
UNIF- LBY Structure
UNIF- DMD Structure
UNIF-R4 Structure
NRTL parameters NRTL/2 DATA Infinite dilution activity coefficient data
[NRTL/1] UNIFAC Structure
UNIF-LL Structure
UNIF- LBY Structure
UNIF- DMD Structure
UNIF-R4 Structure
UNIQUAC parameters UNIQ/2 DATA Infinite dilution activity coefficient data
[UNIQ/1] UNIFAC Structure, GMUQR, GMUQQ
UNIF-LL Structure, GMUQR, GMUQQ
UNIF- LBY Structure, GMUQR, GMUQQ
UNIF- DMD Structure, GMUQR, GMUQQ
UNIF-R4 Structure, GMUQR, GMUQQ
Data indicates that correlation parameters are determined directly
from experimental data you enter on Properties Data Mixture
forms. When another parameter is required, such as GMUQR, it
can come from a databank or from another estimation method. Or
you can enter it on a Properties Parameters form.
Property Names and Estimation Methods for UNIFAC Group Parameters
UNIFAC R UNIFACR BONDI Structure
UNIFAC Q UNIFACQ BONDI Structure
Lyngby UNIFAC R UNIFLR BONDI Structure
Lyngby UNIFAC Q UNIFLQ BONDI Structure
Dortmund UNIFAC R UNIFDR BONDI Structure
Dortmund UNIFAC Q UNIFDQ BONDI Structure

Required Information for Parameter
Estimation
The minimum information required for parameter estimation is:
• Normal boiling point temperature (TB)
• Molecular weight (MW)
• Molecular structure, preferably entered using the General
method
Property Estimation uses normal boiling point and molecular
weight to estimate many parameters. You can greatly reduce the
propagation of errors in estimating other parameters by using the
experimental value of TB. If you do not supply TB and MW but
you enter the general molecular structure, Property Estimation can
estimate TB and MW.
To obtain the best possible estimates for all parameters, enter all
the experimental data that is available.
Defining Molecular Structure Using

the General Method
When you use the general method to describe the atoms and bonds
in a compound, Aspen Properties automatically generates the
required functional groups for the estimation methods used in a
particular run.
To use the general method:
1 Sketch the structure of the molecule on paper.
2 Assign a number to each atom, omitting hydrogen. The
numbers must be consecutive, starting from 1.
4 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click Molecular Structure.
5 From the Molecular Structure Object Manager, select a
component ID for which you want to specify the molecular
structure, then click Edit.
On the General sheet, define the molecule by its connectivity, one
pair of atoms at a time.

In this field Enter
Number Unique number identifying an atom in the molecule.
This should be the atom number that you assigned in
your preliminary drawing.
Type Atom type (for example, carbon or oxygen)
Bond type Type of bond that connects a pair of atoms (for example,
single or double)
Atom numbers and atom types appear on the correspondence list at
the bottom of the form.
Note: For ring compounds, make sure you connect the last pair of
atoms to form a ring.
Atoms Numbers and When you enter an existing atom number, Aspen Properties
Types displays the atom type (except for the first pair of atoms). You can
omit specifying values in the Number and Type fields for the first
atom of a pair. Aspen Properties will automatically use the atom
number and type of the second atom for the previously entered
pair. Enter a number for the second atom of the current pair.
You can use the following bond types to simplify the task of
entering the structure of common ring compounds and saturated
hydrocarbons:
Special Bond Type Description
Benzene ring Benzene ring
Sat. 5-member ring Saturated 5-member ring
Sat. hydrocarbon chain Saturated hydrocarbon chain
When you use these special bond types, the atom numbers
assigned to the members of the carbon ring or carbon chain must
be consecutive.
Defining Molecular Structure Using

Method-Specific Functional Groups
Use the Properties Molecular Structure Functional Group sheet to
enter method-specific functional groups. For each group-
contribution method, specify:
• Functional groups
• Number of times each group occurs in the compound

Functional groups are defined and numbered differently for each
method. For functional group definitions, browse through the
Group Number list. The prompts describe each group number.
You can enter any number of pairs for group numbers and number
of occurrences, with one exception. For the UNIFAC, UNIF-LL,
UNIF-DMD, and UNIF-LBY methods the limit is 12.
To specify method specific functional groups:
1 Sketch the structure of the molecule on paper.
3 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click Molecular Structure.
4 From the Molecular Structure Object Manager, select a
component ID for which you want to specify the molecular
structure, then click Edit.
5 Click the Functional Group sheet.
6 On the Functional Group sheet, select the estimation method
from the Method list box.
7 In the Group Number list, select a functional group for the
method, that represents a functional group contained in your
molecule. The prompt area displays a description of the
functional group.
8 Count the number of times this group occurs in the molecule
and enter that number in the Number of Occurrences field. The
default is one.
9 Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all functional groups in your
molecule are represented with the appropriate number of
occurrences.
Identifying Parameters to be
Estimated
You can use the Properties Estimation Input form to request
parameter estimation and to:
• Specify the properties and components for which parameters
are to be estimated
• Select estimation methods
• Request estimation for parameters that are not missing
You must request estimation of missing parameters. Aspen
Properties estimates all missing required parameters using default
methods, unless you specify otherwise on the Input form.

To request parameter estimation:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser Menu, select Estimation
then Input.
3 On the Setup sheet, specify one of the following Estimation
options.
Option Estimates
Do not estimate any Nothing. This is the default.
parameters
Estimate all missing All missing required parameters and any
parameters parameters you request on the Pure
Component, T-Dependent, Binary, and
UNIFAC Group sheets
Estimate only the selected Only the types of parameters you specify on
parameters the Setup sheet. Specific estimations must
be specified on the sheets identified by your
parameter types selection on this sheet.
The Estimate All Missing Parameters option is strongly
recommended unless you:
• Know exactly what parameters are missing and want to
estimate only those parameters
• Want to evaluate the estimation methods only for certain
parameters
4 If you selected Estimate Only the Selected Parameters, specify
the type(s) of parameters to estimate by checking the
appropriate checkboxes. Go to the appropriate sheet to specify
the desired parameters and methods.
You must supply all information required to estimate the
parameters.
5 If you selected Estimate All Missing Parameters, you can
override default estimation methods. Go to the appropriate
sheet to specify parameters and methods for the different types
of parameters.
Use these sheets to select parameters and methods:
Sheet What is Specified
Pure Component Parameter names and estimation methods for pure
component constants
T-Dependent Parameter names and estimation methods for
temperature-dependent parameters
Binary Parameter names and estimation methods for binary
parameters
UNIFAC Group Parameter names for UNIFAC group parameters

If you manually request the estimation of specific parameters using
the sheets in the table above, these estimated values are used
preferentially over any values available in a databank or on a
Properties Parameters form.
You can specify more than one estimation method for a parameter.
This allows you to compare the estimates predicted by different
methods.
When you specify multiple estimation methods for a parameter, the
calculation uses the value estimated by the first estimation method
selected.
Estimating Pure Use the Estimation Input Pure Component sheet to request
Component estimation of pure component constants, such as critical
Parameters temperature (TC).
To request estimation of a pure component constant:
1 From the Data menu, click Properties
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser Menu, select Estimation,
then Input.
3 On the Setup sheet, choose estimation options. For more
information, see Identifying Parameters to be Estimated.
4 Click the Pure Component sheet.
5 On the Pure Component sheet, select a parameter you want to
estimate using the Parameter list box.
6 In the Component list box, select the component for which you
want to estimate the selected parameter. If you want to estimate
the chosen parameter for multiple components, you may
continue to select additional components individually, or you
may select All to estimate the parameter for all components.
7 In the Method list box for each selected component, choose the
estimation method you want to use. You can specify more than
one method.
8 To request estimation of additional pure component
parameters, select a different parameter in the Parameter list
box, and repeat steps 6 and 7.
If you specify more than one method, only the value estimated by
the first method is used. Results for all the methods specified are
displayed on the Estimation Results form. See Examining
Parameter Estimation Results .
The only reason for specifying more than one method is to
evaluate the accuracy of methods used in estimating a given
parameter. See Comparing Estimated Parameters to Experimental
Data .

Estimating Use the Estimation Input T-Dependent sheet to request estimation
Temperature- of correlation parameters for temperature-dependent properties
Dependent Properties (such as parameters for the extended-Antoine vapor pressure
model). Property Estimation uses estimation methods based on
group contributions and corresponding-states theory. In addition,
Property Estimation accepts experimental property versus
temperature data and uses them to determine the correlation
parameters by regression.
To request estimates of temperature-dependent properties:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, select Estimation, then
Input.
4 Click the T-Dependent sheet.
5 On the T-Dependent sheet, specify the property you want to
estimate in the Property list box.
6 In the Component list box, select the component for which you
want to estimate the selected property. If you want to estimate
the chosen property for multiple components, you may
continue to select additional components individually, or you
may select All to estimate the property for all components.
7 In the Method list box for each selected component, choose the
estimation method you want to use. You can specify more than
one method for each property. To do this, list the component
again, and choose a different method.
8 To request estimation of additional temperature dependent
properties, select a different property in the Property list box,
and repeat steps 6 and 7.
If you specify more than one method for a component, only the
estimated value of the first method is used. Results for all the
methods specified are displayed on the Results form. See
Examining Parameter Estimation Results .
The only reason for specifying more than one method is to
evaluate the accuracy of methods used in estimating a given
property. See Comparing Estimated Parameters to
Experimental Data .
9 If you want to restrict estimation to a temperature range, enter
the lower temperature limit in the Lower Temp. field, and enter
the upper temperature limit in the Upper Temp. field.
10 If you have experimental property versus temperature data,
enter them on the Properties Data Pure-Comp form.

When you select Then Aspen Properties
DATA in the Method Uses the experimental data you enter on the
field Properties Data Pure-Comp form to determine
the correlation parameters by regression
DATA in the Method Uses only the experimental data within the
field, and specify temperature ranges you specify in the regression
Upper Temp. and
Lower Temp.
A method other than Uses the specified method to estimate the
DATA property over a range of temperatures (Upper
Temp. and Lower Temp.), then determines the
correlation parameters that best fit the estimated
data
A method other than Combines the experimental data you enter on
DATA and you check the Properties Data Pure-Comp form with the
the Use Data check box estimated values using the method you specified
to determine the best correlation parameters
If you combine the experimental data and estimated values (by
selecting the Use Data check box), you can assign a weight to
the experimental data in the Weight field. The weight is
relative to 1.0 for estimated values.
Estimating Binary Use the Estimation Binary Input sheet to request estimates of
Parameters binary parameters, such as WILSON/1 and WILSON/2 for the
Wilson model. Aspen Properties estimates binary parameters using
infinite-dilution activity coefficient data.
To request estimates of binary parameters:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser Menu, click Estimation
then Input.
4 Click the Binary sheet.
5 On the Binary sheet, click New then specify the parameter you
want to estimate in the Parameter list box.
6 In the Method list box, choose the estimation method you want
to use. You can specify more than one method for each
parameter.
When Method is Then Aspen Properties uses
DATA The infinite dilution activity coefficient data you
enter on the Properties Data Mixture form.
A method other than The method to estimate infinite dilution activity
DATA coefficients

7 In the Component i and Component j list boxes, specify two
components for which you want to estimate interaction
parameters. If you want to estimate the chosen parameter for
multiple component pairs, you may continue to select
additional component pairs individually, or you may select All
to estimate the parameters for all component pairs.
8 In the Temp field, you can specify the temperature(s) of the
infinite-dilution activity coefficient data. The default
temperature is 25 °C. If you select DATA in the Method field,
the default is all the data you entered on the Properties Data
Mixture form.
When you Aspen Properties estimates
Enter no temperature Only the second element of the parameter (for
value, or enter only one example, WILSON/2 for Wilson)
temperature value
Enter more than one Elements one and two of the parameter (for
temperature value example, WILSON/1, WILSON/2)
9 To request estimation of additional binary parameters, click
New, then specify a different parameter in the Parameter list
box, and repeat steps 6, 7 and 8.
Estimating UNIFAC Use the Properties Estimation UNIFAC Group sheet to request
Group Parameters parameter estimation for UNIFAC functional groups. Group
parameters for all UNIFAC groups are built into Aspen Properties.
You do not need to estimate them. The only time you need to
estimate UNIFAC group parameters is when you define your own
UNIFAC functional groups.
If you define a new UNIFAC group on the Components UNIFAC-
Groups form:
Use this sheet To
Properties Molecular Define the structure of the new UNIFAC group
Structure Functional using the Bondi method
Group
Properties Estimation Estimate group parameters
Input UNIFAC Group
To request parameter estimation for UNIFAC functional groups:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser Menu, select Estimation
then Input.
4 Click the UNIFAC Group sheet.

5 In the Parameter list box, specify the UNIFAC group parameter
you want to estimate.
6 In the Group ID fields, enter the UNIFAC Group IDs for which
you want to estimate parameters.
UNIFAC group IDs must have been defined on the
Components UNIFAC-Groups form.
Using Experimental You can use any experimental property data available to improve
Data to Improve the quality of your parameter estimation. Whenever possible,
Estimated supply experimental data to minimize the propagation of errors due
Parameters to the uncertainty of estimated values.
Temperature-dependent property data (such as vapor pressure
versus temperature data) can be used directly to determine
correlation parameters by regression. Infinite-dilution activity
coefficient data are used to estimate binary parameters.
Use this form To enter this type of property data
Properties Parameters Scalar property constants, such as normal
Pure Component Scalar boiling point (TB) or critical temperature (TC).
Properties Parameters Temperature-dependent correlation parameters,
Pure Component T- such as PLXANT for the extended Antoine
Dependent vapor pressure model .
Properties Data PURE- Temperature-dependent property data, such as
COMP vapor pressure versus temperature points .
Properties Data Infinite dilution activity coefficient data versus
MIXTURE temperature for binary systems .
Using Temperature- Use the Properties Data PURE-COMP form to enter temperature-
Dependent Property Data dependent property data.
Enter the data as pairs of temperature and property values.
To enter temperature-dependent property data listed in the table :
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click the Data subfolder.
3 To create a new Data ID, on the Data Object Manager, click
New.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID for the data, or
accept the default ID. Choose PURE-COMP from the Select
Type list box, and click OK.
5 To modify an existing Data ID, select the ID from the Data
Object Manager, and click Edit.
6 On the Setup sheet, select the category For Estimation, then
specify the property for which you have data, in the Property
list box.

7 Select the component for which you have data, in the
Component list box.
8 If your data was measured at a constant temperature or
pressure, you can enter this value in the Constant Temperature
or Pressure frame.
9 Click the Data sheet.

10 On the Data sheet, enter the experimental data in the
appropriate columns. The first column in the data table, Usage,
will be filled in automatically when you begin entering your
data points.
The first row of the data table is filled in with default values of
standard deviation. These standard deviations are not considered in
Property Estimation however. They are only used in Data
Regression. The experimental data you enter can be used in three
ways:
• By Data Regression, to obtain correlation parameters by
regression.
• By Property Estimation, to obtain correlation parameters by
regression.
• By Property Estimation, together with other estimated values,
to obtain correlation parameters.
To use the experimental pure component property data to estimate
temperature-dependent property parameters:
1 Select the Properties Estimation Input T-Dependent sheet.
2 Select the property you wish to estimate in the Property list
box.

3 Specify the component then select DATA in the Method list
box.
You can combine experimental temperature-dependent property
data with estimated data. For example, you can combine
experimental vapor pressure data with values estimated by the
Riedel method. The combined data are then used to determine the
best set of PLXANT parameters. You can use this feature to
extrapolate limited experimental data. For more information, see
Estimating Temperature-Dependent Properties.
Using Property Estimation is similar to using Data Regression to
regress pure component temperature-dependent property data or
infinite-dilution activity coefficient data. However, with Data
Regression you can:
• Mix VLE and pure component data
• Regress any parameter, such as an equation-of-state parameter
• Control which parameters in a correlation to regress
• Provide standard deviations (weightings) for individual
variables and data points
Using Infinite Dilution Use the Properties Data MIXTURE form to enter infinite-dilution
Activity Coefficient Data activity coefficient (gamma infinity) data for binary systems.
To enter infinite-dilution activity coefficient data:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser Menu, select the Data
subfolder.
3 To create a new Data ID, on the Data Object Manager, click
New. On the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID for the
data, or accept the default ID. Choose MIXTURE from the
Select Type list box, and click OK.
4 To modify an existing Data ID, select the ID from the Data
Object Manager, and click Edit.
5 On the Setup sheet, select the category For Estimation in the
category list box, then GAMINF in the Data Type list box.
6 Select the components for which you have data from the
Available Components list, and use the right arrow button to
move the two components of interest to the Selected
Components list.
appropriate fields as described in the table below. The first
column in the data table, Usage, will be filled in automatically
when you begin entering your data points.

The first row of the data table is filled in with default values of
standard deviation. These standard deviations are not
considered in Property Estimation however. They are only used
in Data Regression.
Field Enter
TEMP1 Temperature corresponding to the infinite-dilution activity
coefficient of component 1 (GAMINF1)
GAMINF1 Infinite-dilution activity coefficient of component 1
TEMP2 Temperature corresponding to the infinite-dilution activity
coefficient of component 2 (GAMINF2)
GAMINF2 Infinite-dilution activity coefficient of component 2
If one infinite-dilution activity coefficient value is missing,
leave both the TEMP and GAMINF fields blank.
To use the experimental infinite-dilution activity coefficient data to
estimate binary parameters:
1 Select the Properties Estimation Input Binary sheet.
2 Click New then select the parameter you want to estimate in
the Parameter list box.
3 Select DATA in the Methods list box.
4 In the Component i and Component j fields, specify the two
components for which you have entered infinite-dilution
activity coefficient data.
By default, all the infinite-dilution activity coefficient data are used
to determine the binary parameters. If you specify temperature(s)
in the Temp field, only data at the specified temperature(s) are
used.
Comparing Estimated Use the Properties Estimation Compare form to compare estimated
Parameters to parameters to experimental data. You can also compare the
Experimental Data estimated values of components to results for other components.
This feature can help you select the best method for estimating
parameters for a nondatabank component when only limited
experimental data is available.
To evaluate the accuracy of estimation methods used for a
parameter and to select the best methods for estimating parameters
for a nondatabank component:
1 Identify databank components that are similar to the
nondatabank component in terms of molecular structure or
functional groups.
2 Request parameter estimation for these databank components
using all methods available on the Estimation Input form.
3 Use the Estimation Compare form to compare the estimated
parameters to the experimental data.

From the comparison you can determine the best method for each
parameter. The best methods for the databank components should
also be best for the nondatabank component.
To compare estimated parameters to experimental data:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser Menu, double-click the
Estimation subfolder.
3 Select the Compare form.
4 On the Compare Setup sheet, use the Components and
UNIFAC Group IDs list boxes to enter components or groups
to be compared with experimental data.
Examining Parameter To examine parameter estimation results:
Estimation Results 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser Menu, double-click the
Estimation subfolder.
3 Select the Results or the Compare Results form.
The Estimation Results form displays the estimated properties and
parameters that you requested on the Estimation Input form.
Estimated parameters are also placed on appropriate Properties
Parameters forms. The Compare Results form displays
comparisons between estimated and experimental data , as
requested on the Estimation Compare form. Comparisons between
components are not displayed on the Compare Results form, they
are contained in the reports.
To view comparisons between components:
From the View menu, click Reports.
Using Estimated Parameters

If you estimate parameters, you can choose whether or not the
results are automatically written to Properties Parameters input
forms. See the following sections on Saving Estimation Results
Automatically.
If you select Estimate All Missing Parameters, Aspen Properties
estimates and uses all missing parameters that are required in the
calculations. Aspen Properties does not estimate any parameters
that are not missing.
If you specifically request the estimation of an individual
parameter, this estimated parameter will be used preferentially
over any databank value, or any value entered on Properties
Parameters forms.

If you estimate parameters, by default the results are automatically
Saving Estimation
written to Properties Parameters input forms.
Results Automatically
This means that when you are satisfied with your estimation
results, you can turn off Property Estimation because the estimated
parameters have been preserved on the Parameters forms for use in
subsequent calculations.
To turn off Property Estimation:
• On the Setup sheet of the Properties Estimation Input form,
check Do Not Estimate Any Parameters.
Not Saving If you do not want the estimation results to be written to the
Estimation Results Parameters forms automatically:
Automatically 1 From the Tools menu, click Options.
2 Click the Component Data tab.
3 Clear the Copy Regression and Estimation Results onto
Parameters Forms checkbox.

C H A P T E R 17
Regressing Property Data
Overview
You can use experimental property data to determine the physical
property model parameters you need for an Aspen Properties
calculation.
The Aspen Properties Data Regression System fits parameters of
physical property models to measured data for pure component or
multicomponent systems. You can enter almost any kind of
experimental property data, such as:
• Vapor-liquid equilibrium
• Liquid-liquid equilibrium
• Density
• Heat capacity
• Activity coefficients
You can use Data Regression for all property models in Aspen
Properties, including electrolyte and user models.
This topic includes the following information about Data
Regression:
• Setting up a regression
• Entering pure component, phase equilibrium, and mixture data
• Plotting experimental data
• Formulating a regression case
• Evaluating the accuracy of known model parameters
• Examining and plotting regression results
• Comparing results from several cases
• Retrieving data from DETHERM and the Internet
• Data regression example
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Regressing Property Data • 17-1

Setting Up a Regression
To set up a Data Regression:
1 Start Aspen Properties and create a new run from a Template.
2 Define components on the Components Specifications
Selection sheet.
3 Select a property method on the Properties Specifications
Global sheet.
4 Enter or estimate any supplemental property parameters on the
Properties Parameters and Properties Estimation forms.
5 Enter experimental data on the Properties Data forms.
6 Select Regression from the Tools menu.
7 Specify the regression case on the Properties Regression form.
See Formulating a Regression Case.
Use Next to guide you through these steps.
Selecting a Property Method

You must select a property method that uses the property model
for which you want to determine parameters.
For example, to fit UNIQUAC binary parameters, choose one of
the following property methods:
• UNIQUAC
• UNIQ-HOC
• UNIQ-NTH
• UNIQ-RK
Choose the same property method you plan to use in property
calculations or in the property package. For example, if you want
to use UNIQUAC with the Hayden-O’Connell vapor phase
association property method (UNIQ-HOC) in your subsequent
calculations, you must also use the UNIQ-HOC property method in
performing your data regression.
There is one important exception. Do not use property methods
ending in -2 in Data Regression, even when fitting LLE data. For
example, to determine parameters to use with the UNIQ-2 property
method, use the UNIQUAC property method during data
regression. The resultant UNIQUAC binary parameters can be
used in the UNIQ-2 property method.
17-2 • Regressing Property Data Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Entering Supplemental Parameters
If any component being regressed is not in the Aspen Properties
databank, do one of the following:
• Enter the required parameters on Properties Parameters forms
• Estimate the parameters using the Properties Estimation forms
For example, suppose you are regressing binary VLE data using
the WILSON property method and a component is not in the
databank. You must enter or estimate the following parameters:
Molecular weight(MW), critical temperature(Tc), critical
pressure(Pc), critical compressibility factor(Zc), heat of
vaporization(DHVLWT), Vapor pressure(PLXANT), and ideal gas
heat capacity(CPIG).
You can also enter values of the parameters to be determined on a
Properties Parameters form. Data Regression will use these values
as initial guesses.
Fitting Pure Component Data

To fit pure component temperature-dependent property data, such
as vapor pressure data:
1 Use the Properties Data PURE-COMP form to enter the
experimental data as a function of temperature.
2 Use the Properties Regression Input form to specify the
property method, experimental data, and parameters to be
regressed.
Entering Pure Component Data

Use the Properties Data PURE-COMP form to enter experimental
data for pure component properties as a function of temperature.
For example, you can enter vapor pressure versus temperature
data.
To enter pure component data:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click the Data folder.
3 To create a new Data ID, click New on the Data Object
Manager.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID or accept the
default. Choose PURE-COMP in the Select Type list box, and
click OK.

5 To edit an existing ID, select the Data ID from the Object
Manger, and click Edit.
6 On the Setup sheet, select the type of property data in the
Property list box. Prompts describe each property. You can
limit the types of property data under the Property list box, by
selecting a property category in the Category list box. The
default category is All.
7 In the Component list box, specify the component for which
you have experimental data.
8 In the Temperature and Pressure fields, if active, specify a
constant temperature or pressure. A value entered in these
fields applies to all data points on the Data sheet, and simplifies
the task of entering isothermal or isobaric data.
appropriate columns.
11 Enter standard deviation values for the property data if
available or accept the system defaults
If you want Aspen Properties to ignore some data or standard
deviations that have already been entered, go to the Usage field,
click on the row, and select Ignore. Aspen Properties will not use
the data point in any subsequent regressions.
Fitting Phase Equilibrium and Mixture

Data
To fit phase equilibrium and mixture data, such as vapor-liquid
equilibrium and mixture density data:
1 Use the Properties Data MIXTURE form to enter experimental
data. See the following section.
2 Use the Properties Regression Input form to specify the
property method, experimental data, and the binary or pair
parameters to be regressed.
Entering Phase Equilibrium and

Mixture Data
Use the Properties Data MIXTURE form to enter experimental
data for phase equilibrium and mixture properties as a function of
temperature, pressure, and composition. For example, you can
enter Txy vapor-liquid equilibrium(VLE) data for two components.

To enter phase equilibrium and mixture data:
Manager. In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID or
accept the default. Choose MIXTURE in the Select Type list
box, and click OK.
5 On the Setup sheet, choose the type of property data in the
Data Type list box, from the choices in Data Types Tables that
follow. Prompts describe each property. You can limit the
types of property data under the data Type list box, by selecting
a property category in the Category list box. The default
category is All.
6 Select the components from the Available Components list,
and use the right arrow button to move them to the Selected
Components list.
constant temperature or pressure. A value entered in these
fields applies to all data points on the Data sheet.
8 In the Composition Basis list box, specify the basis of the
composition data. You can enter composition data as mole
fraction, mass fraction, mole percent, or mass percent. Mole
fraction is the default.
appropriate columns.
11 Enter standard deviations for the property data or accept the
system defaults.
If you want Aspen Properties to ignore some data or standard
deviations that have already been entered, go to the Usage field,
click on the row, and select Ignore. Aspen Properties will not use
the data point in any subsequent regressions.
Data Types Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium(VLE) Data
Select For this type of data
TXY Isobaric VLE
PXY Isothermal VLE
TPXY T-P-x-y VLE (x denotes liquid composition; y denotes
vapor composition.)
ALPHA Relative volatility. Defined with respect to the first
component listed on the Setup sheet.

Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium(LLE) Data †
TXX T-x-x
PXX P-x-x
TPXX T-P-x-x
TPXXY †† T-P-x-x-y
† Use with property methods that can accurately represent two
liquid phases, such as the NRTL or UNIQUAC-based property
methods; the ELECNRTL property method; or SR-POLAR,
PRWS, PRMHV2, RKSWS, RKSMHV2, and PSRK equation-of-
state property methods.
†† Vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium data.
Mixture Property Data
CPLMX Liquid heat capacity
CPVMX Vapor heat capacity
CPSMX Solid heat capacity
GLXS Excess liquid Gibbs free energy
HLMX Liquid enthalpy
HLXS Excess liquid enthalpy
HVMX Vapor enthalpy
HSMX Solid enthalpy
KLMX Liquid thermal conductivity
KVMX Vapor thermal conductivity
KSMX Solid thermal conductivity
MULMX Liquid viscosity
MUVMX Vapor viscosity
RHOLMX Liquid mass density
RHOVMX Vapor mass density
RHOSMX Solid mass density
SIGLMX Liquid surface tension
USER-X User property versus liquid composition
USER-Y User property versus vapor composition
VLMX Liquid molar volume
VVMX Vapor molar volume
VSMX Solid molar volume

Partial Property Data (Data for Components in a Mixture)
DLMX Liquid diffusion coefficients
DVMX Vapor diffusion coefficients
GAMMA Liquid activity coefficients
GAMMAS Solid activity coefficients
HENRY Henry’s constants
KLL Liquid-liquid distribution coefficients
KVL Vapor-liquid K-values
USERI-X User partial property versus liquid composition
USERI-Y User partial property versus vapor composition
Data Types for Electrolyte Systems
Select For this type To
of data
GAMMAM Mean ionic Determine parameters for the electrolyte activity coefficient model
activity
coefficient †
HLMX Liquid molar Determine the temperature dependency of binary or pair parameters for
enthalpy the activity coefficient model †
OSMOT Osmotic Determine parameters for the electrolyte activity coefficient model
coefficient
PH pH Determine chemical equilibrium constants (use only the apparent
component approach)
TPX, or TX Salt solubility Regress parameters for the electrolyte activity coefficient model and
††† chemical equilibrium constants for precipitating salts. Obtain electrolyte-
electrolyte pair parameters for the electrolyte NRTL model
TXY, PXY, or Vapor liquid Regress electrolyte activity coefficient model parameters, Henry's
TPXY equilibrium constants, and chemical equilibrium constants
TXX, TPXX, Liquid liquid Regress electrolyte activity coefficient model parameters and chemical
or TPXXY equilibrium equilibrium constants
VLMX Liquid molar Determine parameters for the Clarke density model
volume
† You can enter only the molality scale mean ionic activity
coefficient data of single electrolyte systems.
†† Use data at several temperatures to ensure accurate
representation of heat of mixing.
††† Enter at saturation, for single or mixed electrolyte solutions.
You must specify the salt precipitation reactions on the Reactions
Chemistry form.

Generating Binary VLE and LLE Data
You can generate VLE and LLE data for a two-component system,
using a specified property method. Aspen Properties can then use
the generated data to regress parameters for another property
method. With this feature you can convert parameters between
different property models.
For example, you can generate VLE data using the UNIFAC
predictive property method, then use the generated data to
determine the binary parameters for the WILSON property
method.
To generate binary VLE and LLE data:
Manager.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID or accept the
default. Choose MIXTURE in the Select Type list box, and
click OK.
6 On the Setup sheet, choose the type of property data in the
Data Type list box:
Select To generate this data
TXY, PXY, or TPXY VLE
TXX or TPXX LLE
Note: Do not select the GEN-TPXY or GEN-TPXX data type
7 Select the components from the Available Components list and

click the right arrow button to move them to the Selected
Components list.
constant temperature or pressure at which the data will be
generated.
10 On the Data sheet, click the Generate Data button.
11 In the Generate Binary VLE or LLE Data dialog box, select a
property method, and a Henry’s Components ID and Chemistry
ID, if applicable.
12 Click the Generate button to generate the data.

The Data sheet displays the liquid phase compositions for
which data are to be generated for the regression.
Entering Standard Deviations of

Measurements
The standard deviation of a measurement variable is an estimate of
the magnitude of random error. Data Regression assigns
reasonable default values for standard deviations, based on the
property or data type you select. If you know the standard
deviations of your data, enter them on the Properties Data Data
sheet.
Data Regression assigns the following default standard deviation
values:
For Value
Temperature 0.1 degrees †
Pressure 0.1%
Liquid compositions 0.1%
Vapor compositions 1.0%
Properties 1.0%
† For Txx or TPxx data, the default is 0.01
You can assign a set of standard deviation values to:
• A single data point
• Several data points
• All data points in a data group
To enter a standard deviation row on a Properties Data Data sheet,
go to the Usage field, and select Std-Dev. The values you enter
will apply to all subsequent data points until another Std-Dev row
is encountered. Enter the standard deviation in percent or as an
absolute value. Data Regression does not require precise values of
standard deviations. Usually you only need to determine the
appropriate order of magnitude and ratios.
A variable that has a standard deviation value of zero is treated as
error-freeOnly state variables with little or no random error can
have standard deviations of zero. Properties such as vapor pressure
or density cannot. You cannot enter all standard deviation values
as zero.
For phase equilibrium data, such as TPXY data, the number of
non-zero standard deviations must be greater than or equal to the
number of phase equilibrium constraints (or equivalently, the
number of components in the mixture that participate in phase

equilibrium). For example, for TPXY data of two components, you
can assign a standard deviation of zero to only two variables.
Either T or P, and either X(1) or Y(1) can have zero standard
deviations. An exception is TPX data. You can set the standard
deviation of X and either T or P to zero.
Note: Unrealistically small standard deviations for "noisy"

measurement variables can cause convergence problems.
Plotting Experimental Data

You can display a plot of the experimental data you entered using
the Plot Wizard from the plot menu.
Depending on the type of data you entered, the Plot Wizard allows
the following types:
Plot Type Description
T-xy T-xy plot for isobaric VLE data
P-xy P-xy plot for isothermal VLE data
T-x T-x plot for isobaric VLE data
P-x P-x plot for isothermal VLE data
y-x y-x plot for VLE data
T-xx T-xx plot for LLE data
P-xx P-xx plot for LLE data
Prop-x Property vs. Composition
Prop-T Property vs. Temperature
Triangular Triangular diagram for ternary LLE data
Formulating a Regression Case

Use the Properties Regression forms to formulate a regression
case.
A regression case requires:
• Experimental data
• Parameters for regression
To formulate a regression case:
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click the Regression
folder. If the Regression folder is not available, Click on the
Tools menu, then select Regression. A new Data Browser will
appear with the Regression folder.

3 To create a new Regression ID, click New on the Regression
Object Manager. In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID
or accept the default, and click OK.
4 To edit an existing ID, select the Regression ID from the
Object Manger, and click Edit.
5 In the Property Options frame of the Regression Input Setup
sheet, specify property method, Henry Components ID,
Chemistry ID, and electrolyte calculation method. The global
properties specifications you entered on the Properties
Specifications Global sheet are the default. You can select any
property method already entered on the Properties
Specifications form.
6 At the bottom of the Setup sheet, use the Data Set list boxes to
enter the Data set IDs for the experimental data to be regressed.
To assign more weight to data sets, enter a value greater than 1
in the Weight field.
7 For each Binary VLE Data set referenced, you can choose
whether you want a thermodynamic consistency test
performed, using the Perform Test check box. If you choose to
perform a consistency test, you can use the Test Method list
box to choose the type of consistency test. Also select whether
you want to reject data sets that fail the consistency test, using
the Reject check box.
8 Click the Parameters sheet.
9 Enter the Parameters to be regressed, according to the
procedure in the following section, Specifying Parameters to be
Regressed.
In many cases Aspen Properties will automatically complete the
Regression Input form based on the property method and Data sets
you have specified. For example, suppose you select the NRTL
property method and enter Txy data for a binary system. Aspen
Properties completes the Regression Input form by:
• Filling in the Data Set field
• Specifying that the NRTL binary parameters are to be
regressed

Specifying In cases where the parameters to be regressed are not specified
Parameters to be automatically, or when you want to modify the default parameters
Regressed or add additional parameters, you can use the Regression Input
Parameters sheet.
To specify parameters to be regressed:
1 In the Type field of the Regression Input Parameters sheet,
select one:
Option For
Parameter Pure component parameter
Binary parameter Binary parameter
Group parameter UNIFAC group parameter
Group binary parameter UNIFAC group binary parameter
Pair parameter Electrolyte NRTL model pair parameter
Chemistry Equilibrium constants for electrolyte
chemistry
2 In the Name/Element list box, select the parameter names.
The prompt identifies parameters.
3 Enter the element number of the parameter in the field just to
the right of the parameter name.
4 Enter the component(s) or UNIFAC group IDs in the
Component/Group list boxes.
5 For each parameter, use the Usage list box to:
Specify If you want the parameter to be
Regress † Used in the current regression case
Exclude Excluded †† from the current regression case. The value
in the Initial Value field is ignored.
Fix Set ††† to the fixed value given in the Initial Value field
† Default
†† If the parameter is in the databank or has been entered on the
Properties Parameters forms, Aspen Properties uses this value in
the property calculation during the regression.
††† You can fix a parameter to a given value in one case, then set
it to another value in another case to study the effect on the fit. For
example, you can fix the third element of the NRTL binary
parameter (the nonrandomness factor) in a case study to see which
value gives the best results.
6 You can enter Initial Value, Lower Bound, Upper Bound, and
Scale Factor for the parameter.

Thermodynamic Consistency Test for
VLE Data
Aspen Properties tests the binary VLE data you enter on the Data
Mixture form for thermodynamic consistency when you supply
both of the following:
• Composition data for both the liquid and vapor phases
• At least five data points, not counting pure component data
points (x=0.0 and x=1.0)
Aspen Properties provides two methods for testing consistency:
• The area test of Redlich-Kister
• The point test of Van Ness and Fredenslund
Both methods use the Gibbs-Duhem equation. For detailed
information on both tests, see J. Gmehling and U. Onken, Vapor-
Liquid Equilibrium Data Collection, DECHEMA Chemistry Data
Series, Vol. I, Part 1, ed. Dieter Behrens and Reiner Eckermann
(Frankfurt/Main: DECHEMA, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur
Chemisches Apparatewesen, 1977).
By default, Aspen Properties performs the area test. To select
another test method or to change the test tolerance, use the
Regression Input Setup sheet. On the Setup sheet you can also
specify whether you want to use or reject the data sets that fail the
consistency tests.
The Consistency Tests sheet on the Regression Results form
indicates whether your data passes or fails the consistency test.
Failed data can cause accuracy and convergence problems in your
calculation.
The test can fail because:
• The data contains errors, either in the original data or occurring
during data entry
• The vapor phase equation-of-state model does not
appropriately account for the vapor phase nonideality
• You do not have enough data points or the data cover only a
small concentration range. To obtain meaningful consistency
test results, enter data for the entire valid composition range.
If your data fail the test, check the data values and units in the Txy,
Pxy, or TPxy data you entered on the Data Mixture form. If the
system contains components that are highly nonideal, such as
organic acid, make sure that appropriate vapor phase equation of
state model is used in the selected property method. For these

systems, the Hayden-O’connell or Nothnagel model are
recommended.
To obtain meaningful consistency test results, enter data for the
entire valid composition range. You can ignore the test results if
your data covers only a narrow composition range.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Known

Model Parameters
You can use Data Regression to evaluate the accuracy of known
model parameters. Compare the calculated results obtained using
the model with your experimental data.
1 Select a property method on the Properties Specifications
Global sheet.
2 Enter the experimental data on the Properties Data forms. See
Entering Pure Component Data, and Entering Phase
Equilibrium and Mixture Data, this chapter.
3 Enter the known model parameters on the Properties
Parameters forms. To evaluate parameters stored in the
databanks, skip this step.
4 Specify the property method and experimental data to be used
in the evaluation on the Regression Input Setup sheet
5 In the Calculation Type frame on the Regression Input Setup
sheet, select Evaluation.
Running the Regression

To run the regression, select Start from the Calculate menu or the
Control Panel. If you have more than one regression case, the Data
Regression Run Selection dialog box appears. All cases are listed
in the Run area. The Don’t Run area is empty. You can:
• Run all the cases by clicking on OK.
• Change the order in which the cases are executed. Select a case
and use the Up and Down arrows.
• Exclude certain Regression cases from the run. Select a case,
then use the left arrow to move the case into the Don’t Run
area.

Note: The order in which the regression cases are run may be
significant. The regressed parameter values from a regression case
are used automatically in all subsequent regression cases – thus
affecting their results. Aspen Properties will execute the regression
cases in the order they appear in the Run area.
Using Regression Results

This section discusses examining, plotting and comparing
regression results.
Examining To examine regression results:
Regression Results 1 From the Data menu, click Properties.
Regression folder.
3 From the Data Browser menu tree, double-click the Regression
ID of interest, and select Results.
The Regression Results form appears, containing these sheets:
Sheet Shows
Parameters Final parameter estimates, final parameter standard deviations, number
of iterations and the property method used
Consistency Thermodynamic consistency test results for binary VLE data
Tests
Residual Residual for each property: the experimental value; regressed value;
standard deviation; difference between the experimental and regressed
values; the percent difference. A summary of the deviation, including
average and maximum deviations can be obtaining by clicking the
Deviations button
Profiles All experimental and calculated values. These data are used on all pre-
defined plots. (see Plotting Regression Results this chapter)
Correlation Parameter correlation matrix: intercorrelation between the parameters
Sum of Squares Objective function, regression algorithm, initialization method, final
weighted sum of squares and residual root mean square error
Evaluation Property method, final weighted sum of squares and residual root mean
square error for the evaluation of experimental data. This result sheet is
only active for Evaluation cases.
Extra Property Residuals for extra properties when VLE data is used, as requested on
the Regression Input Report sheet (for example, activity coefficients and
K-values)

Problems with Data If your Data Regression run fails to converge, the Properties Data
Regression Results forms probably contain data entry errors. Check the data values
and units. Plot the data to check for errors or outliers using the Plot
Wizard from the Plot menu.
Inappropriate standards deviations may have been used for the
data. See Entering Standard Deviations of Measurements for
guidelines.
If you use binary VLE data, the data may not be
thermodynamically consistent. Request consistency test on the
Setup sheet. Rerun the regression. Examine the test results on the
Regression Results Consistency Tests sheet.
When fitting different models to the same data set, choose the
model that gives the smallest residual root mean square error
value.
On the Regression Results Correlation sheet, the off-diagonal
elements of the matrix indicate the degree of correlation between
any two parameters. When the parameters are completely
independent, the correlation coefficient is zero. A number close to
1.0 or -1.0 indicates a high degree of correlation. If possible, select
parameters that are not correlated. An important exception:
asymmetric binary parameters for activity coefficient models are
highly correlated. Both the ij and ji parameters are required for best
fits.
How to Identify It is possible for your Data Regression run to converge without
Unsatisfactory Data errors, but with results unsuitable for use in subsequent calculation
Regression Results run. Use these Regression Results sheets to identify bad fits:
• Parameters
• Sum of Squares
• Consistency Tests
These signs indicate a bad fit:
• A standard deviation for a regressed parameter is 0.0,
indicating the parameter is at a bound.
• A large residual root mean square error value. Normally, this
value should be less than 10 for VLE data and less than 100 for
LLE data.
• Your VLE data fail the thermodynamic consistency test.
If any of these conditions exist, check the original data source and
the data and units on the Properties Data forms for errors. Plot the
data using the Plot Wizard from the Plot menu. Use the
Regression Results Residual sheet to see how well each data point
was fitted. Look for out-liers.

Plotting Regression When viewing the Regression Results form, you can use the Plot
Results Wizard to generate useful plots of the regression results. Aspen
Properties provides a number of predefined plots.
To start the Plot Wizard, choose Plot Wizard from the Plot menu
on the main menu bar while viewing the Regression Results form.
Depending on your type of regression, some of the plots below will
be available:
Name of Plot Description
T-xy Temperature versus liquid and vapor composition for
isobaric VLE data
P-xy Pressure versus liquid and vapor composition for
isothermal VLE data
T-x Temperature versus liquid composition for isobaric VLE
data
P-x Pressure versus liquid composition for isothermal VLE
data
y-x Vapor versus liquid composition
T-xx Temperature versus liquid 1 and liquid 2 composition
for LLE data
P-xx Pressure versus liquid 1 and liquid 2 composition for
LLE data
Prop-x Property versus liquid composition
Prop-T Property versus temperature
(y-x) vs. x Vapor minus liquid composition versus liquid
composition
Triangular Triangular diagram for ternary LLE data
Exp vs. Est Experimental versus calculated
Residual Residual versus property
The residual versus property plot shows how the errors are
distributed. If the measurement data contain no systematic errors,
the deviations should distribute randomly around the zero axis.
Predefined plots such as T-xy or P-xy display the experimental
data as symbols and the calculated values as lines. These plots
allow you to assess the quality of the fit. You can also identify bad
data points by comparing the experimental data with the calculated
results.
You can use the Property Analysis capabilities to plot T-xy or P-xy
diagrams at other conditions to check the extrapolation of the
regressed parameters.

Comparing Results You can plot the results from several Regression cases on a single
from Several Cases plot. This allows you to compare several property models in fitting
the same sets of data. To plot results from several cases, select Add
to Plot on the Plot Wizard (step 6). For example, you could make a
Txy plot using results from two cases:
1 From the Plot menu of a results form of the first case, use the
Plot Wizard to generate a T-xy plot.
2 Select the data group and component to plot. Click Next or
Finish to display the plot.
3 Go to the Regression Results form of the second case. Do not
close the plot.
4 Use the Plot Wizard from the Plot menu. Select the T-xy plot
type. Click Next.
5 Select the same data group and component as in Step 2.
6 For select Plot Mode, select Add to Plot, then select the first
plot from the list box.
7 Click Next of Finish to display the combined plot.
You can change the plot attributes as necessary, by using the
Properties option from the right mouse button menu.
Retrieving Data From You can retrieve a wide range of experimental data from
DETHERM and the DETHERM via the internet. DETHERM contains the world’s most
Internet comprehensive collection of thermo physical property and phase
equilibrium data. If you have a valid license to use DETHERM
Internet, click the DETHERM Internet icon on the main
application tool bar to search for the experimental data you need.
Experimental data you retrieve will appear on the Properties Data
forms and are ready for use in data regression.
The DETHERM Internet is provided in partnership with
DECHEM. DECHEMA is the producer of the DETHERM
database which is the world’s most comprehensive, single-source
compilation of thermophysical properties of pure substances and
mixtures. The database features 3.3 million data sets for about
18,000 pure components and 87,000 mixtures.
The database includes:
• Phase equilibria
• PVT-Data
• Thermodynamic Properties
• Transport Properties
• Interfacial Properties
• Electrolyte data
• Total: 211 different Properties

Detherm Internet is available free of charge for searching the
database to determine whether or not data for a given system are
available. You pay for only the actual data tables downloaded.
Data tables include:
• Data and description
• Complete substance identification
• Literature reference
To sign up for Detherm Internet, complete the Software License
Agreement and the Login ID Request forms, which can be located
by visiting the AspenTech Web site http://www.aspentech.com.
Click on partners/alliances, then Technology Partners, then
DECHEMA. Follow the instructions found on this web page.

C H A P T E R 18
Petroleum Assays and

Pseudocomponents
Overview
This topic explains how to use the Assay Data Analysis and
Pseudocomponent System (ADA/PCS) to define and characterize
petroleum mixtures for use in Refining and related applications.
Topics include how to:
• Use ADA/PCS
• Create assays and enter assay data including petroleum
properties
• Create a blend and enter blend specifications
• Generate pseudocomponents from assays and blends
• Define your own pseudocomponents
• Select property method to characterize the pseudocomponents
• Define and modify petroleum properties
• Examine ADA/PCS results
Aspen Properties cannot use petroleum assays, blends or the
generated pseudocomponents in its property analysis tools.
However, it can use the user-defined pseudocomponents in all
calculations.
The petroleum assays and blends defined in Aspen Properties can
be used in other applications, such as Aspen Plus, that use Aspen
Properties and its property packages.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Petroleum Assays and Pseudocomponents • 18-1
About ADA/PCS
You can use ADA/PCS for defining and characterizing petroleum
mixtures.
You can enter data for any number of assays. The minimum assay
data consists of a distillation curve and a bulk gravity value. You
can enter optional data, such as:
• Light-ends analysis
• Gravity curve
• Molecular weight curve
You can enter any number of petroleum property curves, such as:
• Sulfur content
• Metal content
• Freeze point
• Octane numbers
Given data for any number of assays, ADA/PCS:
• Converts the distillation data into the true boiling point(TBP)
basis
• Performs extrapolations on assay curves and estimates any
missing data
• Generates blends from two or more assays
• Develops sets of pseudocomponents to represent the assays and
blends
• Reports distillation curves for assays and blends in user-
specified bases
• Estimates physical properties and characterization parameters
for each pseudocomponent
You can also define your own pseudocomponents and use
ADA/PCS to estimate their physical properties.
Creating Assays
You can define an assay using one of the following:
• Components Specifications Selection sheet
• Assay/Blend Object Manager
18-2 • Petroleum Assays and Pseudocomponents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
Defining an Assay To define an assay using the Components Specifications Selection
Using the sheet:
Components 1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Specifications.
Specifications 2 On the Components Specifications Selection sheet, enter a
Selection Sheet name for the assay in the Component ID field.
3 In the Type list, select Assay as the component type.
4 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click the Assay/Blend
folder.
5 In the Assay/Blend Object Manager, select the Assay ID for
which you are entering assay data, then click Edit.
6 Select the appropriate sheet to enter the assay data Entering
Assay Data.
Defining an Assay To define an assay using the Assay/Blend Object Manager:
Using the 1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Assay/Blend.
Assay/Blend Object
Manager 2 On the Assay/Blend Object Manager, click New.
3 In the Create New ID dialog box, choose Assay in the Select
Type list.
4 Enter an ID for the assay, or accept the default ID.
5 Click OK.
The Components Assay/Blend Basic Data form appears. Select the
appropriate sheet to enter assay data.
Entering Assay Data

For each assay you must enter:
• At least four points on a distillation curve
• Either a bulk gravity or a gravity curve
Instructions for enter this required data, as well as other optional
data, are contained in the subsequent discussions of sheets and
forms.
Entering a Distillation The assay distillation curve and bulk gravity value are entered on
Curve and Bulk the Dist Curve sheet of the Components Assay/Blend Basic Data
Gravity Value form.
To enter the required distillation curve and gravity input:
1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Assay/Blend.
2 On the Assay/Blend Object Manager, select the assay for
which you wish to enter data, and click Edit.
3 On the Dist Curve sheet, select a type of curve in the
Distillation Curve Type list.
4 In the Percent Distilled and Temperature columns, enter at least
four pairs of distillation percent and temperature values for the
curve.
5 In the Bulk Gravity Value frame, enter either Specific Gravity
or API Gravity, by clicking the appropriate radio button, and
typing in the value.
- or -
Click the Gravity/UOPK tab to open that sheet, and enter in a
gravity curve. (See next section for details on entering a gravity
curve.)
By default Aspen Properties reports the distillation curve in the
input and the true boiling point (liquid volume) basis. You can
use the Optional sheet to request additional distillation curves
to be reported for the assay.
Use the remaining sheets on the Basic Data form, as well as the
Property Curves form, to enter optional information as
described below.
Entering a Gravity If you do not enter a bulk gravity value on the Dist Curve sheet,
Curve you must enter a gravity curve using the Gravity/UOPK sheet. You
may enter either:
• Gravity curve data
• Watson UOP K curve data
Gravities you specify on this sheet are normalized to match the
bulk gravity value specified on the Dist Curve sheet.
To enter a gravity curve:
1 On the Gravity/UOPK sheet of the Components Assay/Blend
Basic Data form, select the type of gravity data you wish to
enter by clicking one of the options in the Type frame.
2 Enter at least four pairs of mid-percent (on the same basis as
distillation data, i.e., volume or weight) and gravity values to
define the profile in the columns for data.
If you enter a Watson UOPK curve, you must enter an average
gravity on the Assay Basic Data Dist Curve sheet. If the distillation
type is True Boiling Point (weight basis) or Vacuum (weight
basis), you cannot enter a Watson UOPK curve.
Entering a Molecular You can enter a molecular weight curve using the Molecular Wt
Weight Curve sheet of the Assay/Blend Basic data form. If you do not enter a
molecular weight curve, Aspen Properties estimates it from the
distillation curve and gravity you specify.
To enter a molecular weight curve:
• On the Molecular Wt sheet, enter at least four pairs of values in
the Mid Percent Distilled and Molecular Weight fields to
define the curve.
Entering Light-Ends You can enter light-ends analysis for an assay in terms of the
Analysis compositions of light-ends components. If you enter light-ends
analysis, Aspen Properties does not generate pseudocomponents
for the light-ends portion of the assay. If you wish to specify light-
ends analysis, do this on the Light Ends sheet of the Components
Assay/Blend Basic Data form.
To enter a light-ends analysis:

1 In the Light Ends Analysis frame of the Light Ends sheet, use
the Component and Fraction columns to enter the component
IDs and light ends fractions that make up the analysis. For your
fractions, you can select a basis of Mass, Mole, or Standard
Liquid Volume at the top of the column.
2 If the light-ends component is not in the databank, specify
gravity and molecular weight in the Gravity and Molecular
Weight fields of the analysis table.
3 Optionally, at the top of the sheet, enter the light-ends fraction
as a fraction of the assay, in the Light Ends Fraction field.
If you enter this value, the specified individual component
fractions are normalized to this overall value. If you omit this
value, individual component fractions are treated as fractions
of the entire assay mixture.
Entering Petroleum You can enter any number of petroleum property curves for an
Property Curves assay, using the Petro Properties sheet of the Components
Assay/Blend Property Curves form. Aspen Properties allows a
variety of built-in curve types. Based on these curves, Aspen
Properties assigns property values to individual pseudocomponents
in the calculation.
When the assay or blend is assigned to a material stream in e.g.
Aspen plus, the petroleum properties are associated with the
stream. The prop-set feature can be used to report the petroleum
properties of the stream or mixture.
Examples of petroleum properties include:
• Sulfur content
• Metal content
• Octane numbers
To enter petroleum property curves:
1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Assay/Blend.
2 On the Assay/Blend Object Manager, select the assay for
which you wish to enter data, and click Edit.
3 Select Property Curves, from the left pane of the Data Browser.
4 On the Petro Properties sheet, select a petroleum property in
the Property Type list.
5 In the Property Curve Data frame, enter at least four pairs of

values in the Mid Percent Distilled (on the same basis as
distillation data, i.e., volume or weight) and Property Value
fields, to define the curve.
6 Optionally, enter a bulk value for the property in the Bulk
Value field. If you enter a bulk value, Aspen Properties
normalizes the individual curve values to the bulk value.
7 To enter additional property curves, repeat steps 1 through 3
for each additional property.
Entering Viscosity You can enter viscosity curves at different temperatures for an
Curves assay using the Viscosity sheet of the Components Assay/Blend
Property Curves form. Viscosity curves can be entered as either
absolute or kinematic viscosity values as a function of percent
distilled for the assay. Based on these curves, Aspen Properties
will assign viscosity to the pseudocomponents generated for the
assay.
To enter viscosity curves:
1 On the Viscosity sheet of the Components Assay/Blend
Property Curves form, choose a type of viscosity (Absolute or
Kinematic) by clicking on the appropriate option in the Type
frame.
2 In the Temperature list, select New.
3 In the New Item dialog box, enter a temperature for the
viscosity curve, and click OK.
4 In the Mid Percent Distilled (on the same basis as distillation
data, i.e., volume or weight) and Viscosity fields, enter at least
four pairs of values to define the curve.
5 To enter viscosity curves at additional temperatures, repeat
steps 1 through 4 for each curve.
To compute viscosity at multiple temperatures from the curves in
the calculation, you must enter viscosity curves for at least two
temperatures.
Creating a Blend
You can create a blend from any number of assays.
Aspen Properties performs blending on all available assay data:
• Distillation curves
• Gravity curves
• Molecular weight curves
• Light-ends analysis
• Petroleum properties curves
• Viscosity curves
Petroleum and viscosity curves are blended using the built-in or
user-supplied blending rules. See Modifying Petroleum Property
Definitions.
You can define a blend using either of the following:
• Components Specifications Selection sheet
• Assay/Blend Object Manager
Defining a Blend To define a blend using the Components Specifications Selection
Using the sheet:
Components 1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Specifications.
Specifications
Selection Sheet 2 On the Components Specifications Selection sheet, enter a
name for the blend in the Component ID field.
3 In the Type list, select Blend as the component type.
4 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click the Assay/Blend
folder.
5 In the Assay/Blend Object Manager, select the Blend ID you
just created, and click Edit. The Components Assay/Blend
form appears.
To enter the blend specifications, see Entering Blend
Specifications.
Defining a Blend To define a blend using the Assay/Blend Object Manager:
Using the 1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Assay/Blend.
Assay/Blend Object
Manager 2 On the Assay/Blend Object Manager, click New.
3 In the Create New ID dialog box, choose Blend in the Select
Type list.
4 Enter an ID for the blend, or accept the default ID.
5 Click OK.
The Components Assay/Blend form appears. To enter the
blend specifications, see Entering Blend Specifications.
Entering Blend Specifications

To enter blend specifications, use the Specifications sheet of the
Components Assay/Blend form:
1 On the Specifications sheet, select two or more assays in the
Assay ID column, and specify the corresponding fraction of
each assay, in the Fraction column. You can enter the assay
blending fractions on a mole, mass or standard liquid volume
basis.
2 By default Aspen Properties reports the distillation curve for
the blend using the input basis and the true boiling point (liquid
volume) basis. If you want to request additional distillation
curve reports for the blend, you can specify this by clicking the
desired curves in the Report Distillation Curve As frame.
Specifying Assay Analysis Options

Aspen Properties provides several options for:
• The assay data analysis procedure
• Converting and extrapolating distillation curves
• The initial and final boiling points for distillation curves
The defaults are appropriate for most applications.
To override the default options:
1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Petro
Characterization.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, click the Analysis
Options folder.
3 On the Assay Procedures sheet, choose the preferred analysis
procedure by clicking one of the options in the Assay Data
Analysis Procedure frame:
Version 9 or later
- or -
Version 8 or earlier
4 In the Curve Processing Options frame, you can optionally
modify any of the following specifications from their defaults:
Initial boiling point 0.5
Final boiling point 99
Extrapolation method Probability
Spline fitting method Harwell
5 In the Distillation Curve Conversion Method frame, you can
optionally modify the default conversion methods.
About Pseudocomponents
You can specify how assays and blends are used to generate
pseudocomponents. ADA/PCS can generate one or more sets of
pseudocomponents for a group of assays and blends. You can use a
particular assay or blend to generate only one set of
pseudocomponents.
If you do not enter any specifications for pseudocomponent
generation, ADA/PCS generates one average set of
pseudocomponents for all the assays and blends. The average set
uses equal weighting for each assay and blend.
You should generate pseudocomponents only for the assays and
blends that will be used to define material streams in Aspen Plus.
This achieves the best characterization for a calculation. Typically
you enter data for several assays to create a blend, then use the
blend to define material streams. You should generate
pseudocomponents for the blend only.
In general, one average set of pseudocomponents can sufficiently
represent all assays and blends. Be sure to assign appropriate
weighting factors to reflect their relative flow rates.
At times you can improve characterization accuracy by generating
a separate set of pseudocomponents for each assay and blend. Use
separate sets of pseudocomponents when multiple assays and
blends define flowsheet streams in Aspen Plus, and when the
assays and blends have the following characteristics:
• Distillation curves have significant overlaps.
• Gravities and Watson K factors are very different.
However using multiple sets of pseudocomponents in the
calculations can increase computation time.
Generating Pseudocomponents
To generate a set of pseudocomponents:
Characterization.
Generation folder.
3 In the Generation Object Manager, click New.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID for the set of
pseudocomponents, or accept the default ID.
5 Click OK.
The Components Petro Characterization Generation form
appears with the Specifications sheet selected:
6 On the Specifications sheet, select the assays and blends for
which an average set of pseudocomponents is to be generated,
using the Assay/Blend ID list.
7 In the Weighting Factor field, you can assign weighting factors
to reflect the relative importance of each assay or blend in the
generation of pseudocomponents. By default each assay or
blend is given an equal weight of one.
8 At the bottom of the sheet, select a property method in the
Property Method list. This property method represents the
models to be used in the estimation of all pseudocomponent
properties and characterization parameters. By default
ADA/PCS uses the ASPEN pseudocomponent property method
to estimate pseudocomponent properties. See About
Pseudocomponent Property Methods for a description of the
built-in property methods.
Specifying Cut Points By default Aspen Properties generates pseudocomponents using a
standard set of cut points:
TBP Range ( F) Number of Cuts Increments ( F)
100 – 800 28 25
800 – 1200 8 50
1200 – 1600 4 100
To override the standard cut points, use the Cuts sheet on the
Generation form to specify a list for one of the following:
• Cut temperatures
• Cut ranges. For each range, enter either the number of cuts or
the temperature increment for each cut.
Pseudocomponent By default the generated pseudocomponents are named according
Naming Options to their mean average normal boiling point. You can use the
Naming Options sheet on the Generation form to select from five
built-in naming conventions. If you choose User Defined List, you
must enter the pseudocomponent IDs in the Pseudocomponent
fields of the Preview of Pseudocomponent Names frame.
Defining Pseudocomponents and

Entering Pseudocomponent
Properties
In addition to allowing Aspen Properties to automatically generate
pseudocomponents for your specified assays and blends, you also
can choose to define your own pseudocomponents directly.
To create user-defined pseudocomponents, first enter them on the
Components Specifications form:
1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Specifications.
2 On the Selection sheet, enter the IDs for the user-defined
pseudocomponents in the Component ID fields.
3 Select PseudoComponent as the component type in the Type
list. Leave the Component Name and Formula fields blank for
pseudocomponents.
Entering Basic Once you defined the pseudocomponents on the Components
Properties for Specifications form, you must enter the basic properties for the
Pseudocomponents pseudocomponents on the Components Pseudocomponents
Specifications sheet.
From these basic properties, Aspen Properties estimates all pure
component characterization parameters needed for property
calculation.
To enter basic properties for user-defined pseudocomponents:
1 From the Data menu, select Components, then
PseudoComponents.
The Components PseudoComponents form appears with the
Specifications sheet displayed:
2 On the Specifications sheet, the pseudocomponents you
defined on the Components Specifications form are listed in
the Pseudocomponents column. For each pseudocomponent,
enter at least two of the following properties to characterize the
pseudocomponent:
• Average normal boiling point
• Gravity/Density
Gravity or density can be entered in any of the following
formats:
• API gravity
• Specific gravity
• Standard liquid density
3 If you wish to modify the default pseudocomponent property
method, select a new method in the Property Method list. Refer
to About Pseudocomponent Property Methods for descriptions
of the built-in property methods.
The default view of the PseudoComponents Specifications sheet is
the Basic Layout view. This view allows for a single
pseudocomponent property method, and a single type of gravity or
density to represent all pseudocomponents. If you wish to specify
different property methods, or different types of gravity or density
for individual pseudocomponents, you can select Advanced Layout
from the View list at the top of the sheet. The Advanced Layout
allows individual specifications of property method and gravity or
density type for each pseudocomponent.
Entering You can provide vapor pressure, viscosity, and water solubility
Temperature- data as a function of temperature for pseudocomponents. This
Dependent Properties improves the accuracy of the characterization because these data
for are used directly to determine the parameters for the extended
Pseudocomponents Antoine vapor pressure model, the Andrade liquid viscosity model,
and the water solubility model, respectively.
To enter these temperature-dependent properties:
1 From the Data menu, select Components, then
PseudoComponents.
2 On the Components PseudoComponents form, there are
separate sheets for Vapor Pressure, Viscosity, and Water
Solubility. Click the appropriate sheet for the type of data you
wish to enter.
3 On the selected sheet, choose a pseudocomponent from the

Component ID list.
4 In the frame below the Component ID, enter the property data
as a function of temperature.
5 To enter data for other components, repeat steps 3 and 4.
6 To enter another property, repeat steps 2 through 5.
About Pseudocomponent Property
Methods
A pseudocomponent property method is a collection of models for
estimating pseudocomponent properties and characterization
parameters needed for property calculations. Pseudocomponent
properties that are estimated include:
• Critical properties
• Acentric factor
• Vapor pressure
• Liquid molar volume
• Water solubility
• Viscosity
• Ideal gas heat capacity
• Enthalpy of vaporization
• Standard enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of formation
• Equation of state parameters
You can use a pseudocomponent property method in two ways:
On sheet Specify a pseudocomponent
property method for
Components Petro Pseudocomponents generated from
Characterization Generation assays and blends
Specifications
Components User-defined pseudocomponents
PseudoComponents
Specifications
You can choose from five built-in pseudocomponent property
methods:
Method Description
API-METH Uses procedures recommended by the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Data Book.
API-TWU Based on the ASPEN property method, but uses
correlations by Twu for critical properties.
ASPEN Based on the API-METH property method, with
proprietary AspenTech enhancements for selected
properties. (Default)
COAL-LIQ Uses correlations developed for coal liquids.
LK Uses correlations by Lee and Kesler.
You also can create your own pseudocomponent property methods.
Use your own property methods in the same way as the built-in
methods.
Creating Pseudocomponent Property

Methods
You can create your own pseudocomponent property methods by
starting with a built-in method, and modifying individual models
for different pseudocomponent properties.
Aspen Properties provides several built-in models for each
pseudocomponent property. You can also supply your own model
using a user-supplied subroutine.
To create a new pseudocomponent property method:
Characterization.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, click the Property
Methods folder.
3 In the Petro Characterization Properties Object Manager, click
New.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID (name) for the
new method, or accept the default ID.
5 Click OK.
6 On the Basic sheet, select one of the built-in methods, by using

a pull down menu under Basic property method. The chosen
property method will be used as a basis for the new method.
The remaining fields on the sheet (as well as the
Thermodynamic sheet and the EOS sheet) display the models
used by the base method for each property.
7 Use the remaining fields on the Basic sheet, the
Thermodynamic sheet and the EOS sheet to select the new
models to be used in the new property method.
Modifying Petroleum Property

Definitions
Aspen Properties has a list of pre-defined petroleum properties.
You can enter property curves for these petroleum properties, as
discussed in Entering Petroleum Property Curves.
You can modify the definition of these pre-defined properties, as
well as define new properties. See Defining a New Petroleum
Property.
To modify the definition of a petroleum property such as the
blending method:
Characterization.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, click the Analysis
Options folder.
3 On the Analysis Options form, select the Blend Options sheet.
4 In the Property list, select a petroleum property you wish to
modify.
5 In the Blend Method field, select a property blending method.
6 If you are using a user blending subroutine, enter an option
code in the Blend Option field.
7 If the property curve does not encompass 0 and 100 percent,
specify whether it is to be extrapolated in the Extrapolate field.
Defining a New Petroleum Property

You can use a new petroleum property in the same ways as a pre-
defined petroleum property. You can enter the curve data of this
property for any assay. See Entering Petroleum Property Curves.
You can define any number of additional petroleum properties to
be used on the Prop-Sets Properties sheet and the Assay/Blend
Property Curves form.
To define a new petroleum property:
1 From the Data menu, select Properties, then Advanced.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, click the User
Properties folder.
3 In the User Properties Object Manager, click New.
4 In the Create New ID dialog box, enter an ID (name) for the
new property, or accept the default ID.
5 Click OK.
6 On the Specifications sheet, click the Assay Curve Property
radio button at the top of the sheet.
7 In the Assay Curve Property Frame, select a blending method
from the choices provided. The default method is Standard
Liquid Volume Averaging.
If you choose to use a user blending subroutine, enter an option
code in the Blending Option field.
8 In the Default Property Used for Light Ends list, select a
property to provide values for light-ends components.
9 At the bottom of the sheet, you can choose whether you want
to extrapolate curve data that does not encompass the entire
composition range (0-100%). Extrapolation is turned on by
default. To turn off this option, click the check box to deselect
it.
10 Click the Units sheet.
11 Click the appropriate check box to specify how you want the
units conversion to be calculated.
12 If you choose to let Aspen Properties perform the units
conversion, select the type of units in the Units type list.
13 If you choose to perform the units conversion in a user
subroutine, enter a units label in the Units Label field. This
label will be used in property curve results.
Examining ADA/PCS Results

Aspen Properties produces a variety of ADA/PCS results. You can
examine:
• ADA results
• Pseudocomponent property results
Examining ADA To examine ADA results:
Results 1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Assay/Blend.
2 On the Assay/Blend Object Manager, select the assay or blend
for which you want to display results, and click Edit.
3 In the left pane of the Data Browser window, click the Results
form beneath the selected assay or blend.
The Assay/Blend Results form appears, containing these sheets:
Sheet Shows
Light Ends Analysis Results of the light ends analysis
Pseudocomp Breakdown Pseudocomponent and light ends breakdown
results
Curves Distillation curves and bulk properties
results
Blend Fraction (Blends Compositions of blends
only)
4 From the Curves sheet, you can generate plots of distillation
temperatures versus percent distilled.
Examining To examine pseudocomponent property results:
Pseudocomponent 1 From the Data menu, select Components, then Petro
Property Results Characterization.
2 In the left pane of the Data Browser, click the Results folder.
The Summary sheet on the Components Petro Characterization
Results form displays the key properties for each
pseudocomponent in table format.
3 You can generate plots of pseudocomponent properties versus
boiling points or any other property.
C H A P T E R 19
Working with Other Windows

Programs
Overview
The Aspen Properties Windows user interface is built using
Microsoft's OLE Automation (ActiveX™) technology. This
technology enables you to transfer data easily to and from other
Windows® programs. It enables you to access calculation data and
methods through an Automation client, such as Visual Basic®
(VB).
See one of the following topics for help on Windows
interoperability features:
• About copying, pasting and OLE
• Copying and pasting calculation data
• Copying and pasting plots
• Creating active links between Aspen Properties and other
Windows applications
About Copying, Pasting, and OLE

Because Aspen Properties is a true Windows application, you can
take advantage of full Windows interoperability and object linking
and embedding (OLE). You can make your calculation work more
productive by creating active links between input/output fields in
Aspen Properties and other applications such as Word® and
Excel®.
For example, calculation results such as property analysis results
can be pasted into a spreadsheet for further analysis, into a word
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Working with Other Windows Programs • 19-1
processor for reporting and documentation, or into a design
program.
Live data links can be established that update these applications as
the Aspen Properties model is changed to automatically propagate
results of engineering changes. The benefits to you are quick and
error-free data transfer and consistent engineering results
throughout the engineering work process.
Copying and Pasting In Aspen Properties, data contained in the fields of input and result
Data forms can be copied and pasted using the standard Copy and Paste
commands on the Edit menu. For example, you can copy
information from a field or group of fields in Aspen Properties, and
then paste it into:
• Another location within the same Aspen Properties calculation
• Another Aspen Properties calculation
• Any other Windows application such as Word, Excel, or
Access®
Copying Data To copy information in Aspen Properties using the Copy
command:
1 Select (or highlight) the information you wish to copy.
To select an individual field of data, simply click the mouse in
the field.
To select multiple fields of data, hold down the Ctrl key while
clicking the mouse on multiple fields.
When copying values from a table, you can:
• Click-and-drag the mouse over a desired range of results
• Select an entire column of data by clicking the column
heading
• Select an entire row of data by clicking the row selector
button (on the left of the row of data)
• Select the entire table by clicking the button on the top left
corner of the table
2 From the Edit menu, click Copy, or on the keyboard, press Ctrl
+ C.
The selected values are now contained in the Windows paste
buffer, and can be pasted into Aspen Properties, or another
Windows application.
Note: When selecting data to be copied from a field in Aspen

Properties, the entire field of information is copied, not just a
selected portion of the field. For example, if a field contains as its
value the number "1234.567", you cannot use the mouse to
highlight a portion of the value (such as "123") for copying.
19-2 • Working with Other Windows Programs Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
The Copy command always copies the whole field, with these
exceptions:
• The Setup Specifications Description sheet
• The Comments dialog box for individual forms
Use the text box on these sheets for entering information, and
to select and copy information.
Copying with Format By default, the Copy command copies only the value (or values) of
information. Use the Copy with Format command from the Edit
menu to request that the label, units and basis for the values be
included with the value.
To copy information in Aspen Properties using the Copy with
Format command:
1 Select (or highlight) the information you wish to copy.
To select an individual field of data, click the mouse in the
field.
Tip: When copying values from a table, you can click-and-drag

the mouse over a desired range of results, or you can select an
entire column or row of data by clicking the column heading or
row selector button.
2 From the Edit menu, click Copy with Format.

3 On the Copying dialog box that appears, click the check boxes
representing the type(s) of information that you want to be
included in the copy buffer.
4 Click OK.
The selected information is now contained in the Windows
paste buffer, and can be pasted into Aspen Properties, or
another Windows application.
Note: You can change the default formats included with the
standard Copy command, by selecting options in the Copy Buffer
Format frame of the General sheet on the Tools Options dialog
box.
Pasting To paste information in Aspen Properties using the Paste
command:
1 First, ensure that the paste buffer contains information that has
been copied from Aspen Properties, or another Windows
application.
2 Click the mouse in the input field where you wish to paste the
information.
For multiple fields of information, click in the upper-left most
field.
3 From the Edit menu, click Paste or on the keyboard, press Ctrl
+ V.
4 If prompted with a message asking if you want to extend the
grid, click Yes. Aspen Properties needs to extend the grid if
you are pasting more rows or columns of data than are
currently displayed.
The information contained in the paste buffer will now appear
in the field, or group of fields you selected with the cursor.
This information remains in the paste buffer, and can be pasted
into additional locations by repeating steps 2 through 4.
Note: The Paste command has automatic filtering which prevents

the pasting of inconsistent or inappropriate information. For
example, you cannot paste a real value into an integer input field.
Example of Cutting and In this example, experimental VLE data from one data group are
Pasting Within Aspen pasted into another data group. This is then used as a starting point
Properties for completing the data for the target data group.
1 In the Data Browser, select Properties, then Data, and edit the
data group from which data are to be copied. On the Data tab,
click the left mouse button on the data field and drag the mouse
down to select all the data to be copied.
The example stream results are shown here.
Tip: If all the data are not displayed, you can expand the Data
Browser window to display more data. Or you can select additional
by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking with the mouse.
2 From the Edit menu, click Copy.

3 Using the Data Browser, open the Data form of the target data
group.
4 In the Data tab, click in the first temperature data field.
5 From the Edit menu, click Paste.
The molar flowrates from the stream results have been copied into
the stream input specifications. You can now enter two state
variables (you could also copy these values if you wish) to
complete the initial estimates for this tear stream.
The example Stream Specifications sheet is shown here.
Example of Pasting This example shows the steps necessary to paste property analysis
Aspen Properties Results results in Aspen Properties into an Excel spreadsheet.
Into Other Applications
1 Open the Properties Analysis Results form.
2 On the Results tab, click and drag over the results you wish to
copy.
– or –
Hold down the Ctrl key while you click the column headings
for the data you wish to copy.
An example is shown here.

4 Open a spreadsheet in Excel.
5 Select a cell in the Excel spreadsheet where you want to paste
the information.
6 From the Edit menu in Excel, click Paste.
An example is shown here.
The copied RadFrac results profile has been pasted into the
spreadsheet, where it can be manipulated, reformatted, combined
with additional data, and plotted using the features of Excel. This
same data could also be pasted into other applications such as a
table in Word, or a database in Access.
Example of Pasting Data In this example, atmospheric Txy data for ethyl acetate and ethanol
From Another Application will be copied from an Excel spreadsheet and pasted into a
Into Aspen Properties Properties Data form in Aspen Properties.
Excel data
1 In the Aspen Properties calculation, create a properties data set

of an appropriate type to input the data. In this case, open or
create a mixture Txy data set (from the Properties Data Object
Manager) for the components ethyl acetate and ethanol, at a
pressure of 1 atmosphere.
2 Open the Properties Data mixture form for the newly created
data set, and examine the format for the columns of data.
Modify units and standard deviations if necessary.
Notice that there are columns for the compositions of ethanol,
as well as ethyl acetate. See illustration. The composition for
the second component need not be entered, as it will be
calculated as the difference between 1 and the composition of
the first component. This means that you must use two copy
and paste operations to transfer the data from Excel to Aspen
Properties:
• Firstly, copy the Temperature and X columns
• Then copy the Y column
3 Open the Excel spreadsheet containing the data.
4 Click and drag to select the data to be copied. For the first copy
operation, select the temperature and liquid composition data.
See illustration.
5 From the Edit menu in Excel, click Copy.

6 In Aspen Properties, on the Data sheet for the newly created
data set, select the first empty cell in the Temperature column.
7 From the Aspen Properties Edit menu, click Paste.
8 In the Paste dialog box, click Yes to extend the data grid.
The temperature and liquid composition data is transferred into
the Data sheet. See illustration.
9 Return to the Excel spreadsheet, and select the vapor

composition data, by clicking and dragging the mouse.
11 In Aspen Properties, on the Data sheet, select the first empty
cell in the Y column for ethyl acetate.
12 From the Aspen Properties Edit menu, click Paste.
The vapor composition data is transferred into the Data sheet.
You can now use this data set to estimate or regress property
parameters in Aspen Properties.
Copying and Pasting After generating plots in Aspen Properties, you can copy the plots
Plots and Other and paste them into other Windows applications as images.
Images
Copying a Plot in Aspen To copy a plot in Aspen Properties:

Properties
1 Generate the desired plot and format the appearance of the plot
as you want it to appear when pasted. For details on creating
and formatting plots, see chapter 10, Working with Plots.
2 Select the plot in Aspen Properties.
The plot is copied to the paste buffer.
Use Paste to paste the plot into other Windows applications.
Example of Pasting a Plot In this example, the plot generated by property analysis will be
into Another Application pasted into a Word document.
1 First use the Plot Wizard to generate the plot of Txy diagram,
and format it as you wish.
2 bmc help0013.bmp}
3 Select the plot, then from the Edit menu, click Copy.
4 Start Word, and open the file in which you want to paste the
plot.
5 Click in the Word document where you want to paste the plot.
Creating Active Links Between Aspen

Properties and Other Windows
Applications
When copying and pasting information, you can create active links
between input or results fields in Aspen Properties and other
applications such as Word and Excel. The links update these
applications as the model is modified to automatically propagate
results of engineering changes.
To create active links between a result in Aspen Properties and
Creating Active Links
another Windows application:
Between an Aspen
Properties Result and 1 Make sure you have both applications open:
another Windows • Aspen Properties open with the completed calculation and
Application results available
• Another Windows application open with the file where you
wish to paste the active link to Aspen Properties results
2 Open the Aspen Properties results form containing the
information to be linked.
3 Select the desired results.
To select an individual field of data, simply click in the field.
When copying values from a table, you can:
• Click-and-drag the mouse over a desired range of results
• Select an entire column of data by clicking the column
heading
• Select an entire row of data by clicking the row selector
button
• Select the entire table of data by clicking the button on the
top left corner of the table
4 From the Edit menu, click Copy (or Copy with Format). If you
choose Copy with Format, in the Copying dialog box, check
the items you want included with the value (Label, Units or
Basis), and click OK.
5 Go to the appropriate location in another Windows application,
where you wish to paste the active link.
6 From the Edit menu in the other application, choose Paste
Special.
7 In the Paste Special dialog box, click the Paste Link radio
button and make sure you are pasting as text by selecting Text
in the As box.
8 Click OK to close the Paste Special dialog box.
Now an active link has been established between Aspen
Properties (the source document) and another application.
9 When you exit, be sure you save both the Aspen Properties file
and the other application file. If you do not, the link will not
work when you open the files. If you save the link source file
(Aspen Properties in this case) with another name, you must
save the link container (other application file) after saving the
Aspen Properties run.
The link source is the program that is providing the data.
The link container is the program into which you paste the link.
Example of Creating In this example, the property analysis results will be copied with
Active Links from Aspen units, and pasted into an Excel spreadsheet as an active link.
Properties Results into
Excel
1 Open the Property Analysis Results form.
2 Click Total Temp column to select temperature of the phase
equilibrium calculations.
3 From the Edit menu, click Copy with Format.
4 In the Copying dialog box, check the Unit checkbox, then click
OK.
5 Open the Excel spreadsheet, and select the cell where you want
to create the link to the Aspen Properties temperature results.
6 From the Edit menu in Excel, choose Paste Special.
button.
8 Select Text in the As: list, and click OK.
The temperature and units are copied into the specified
location.
The pasted value is an active link between Aspen Properties (the
source document) and the Excel spreadsheet (the destination
document.) As inputs are changed in the Aspen Properties analysis
specification (such as pressure), and the calculation is rerun to
generate new results, the active link displayed in the Excel
spreadsheet will reflect the changes.
You can review the source of the link in Excel by selecting the
linked cell in Excel. The source will display in the Excel Formula
Bar below the toolbar.
You can view and modify the status of the link in Excel by
selecting Links from the Edit menu.
Creating Active Links In addition to creating active links from Aspen Properties to other
from a Windows applications, you can also create active links from other
Application to Aspen applications such as Word or Excel, to input fields within Aspen
Properties Input Properties calculations. This can be used to create a simple
Fields interface to your calculation models for non Aspen Properties users
(e.g. operators or other engineers.)
1 Make sure you have:
• Aspen Properties open at the completed calculation where
you will add the active link
• Another Windows application open at the source file from
where you will originate the active link to an Aspen
Properties input field
2 In the source file of the other application, select the
information to be linked.
For example, in Excel, click in the cell containing the data to
be linked.
3 From the Edit menu in the other application, click Copy.
4 In Aspen Properties, open the appropriate input form, and
select the field where the information will be pasted to create
the active link.
5 From the Edit menu in Aspen Properties, click Paste Special.
6 In the Paste Special dialog box, click the Paste Link button and
ensure you are pasting as text by selecting Text in the As list.
Now an active link has been established between another
application (the source document) and Aspen Properties (the
destination document); if you change a value in the source
document, the change will be reflected on the appropriate
Aspen Properties input forms.
8 When you exit, ensure you save both the Aspen Properties file
and the other application file. If you do not, the link will not
work when you open the files. If you save the link source (the
other application in this case) with a different file name, you
must save the link container (Aspen Properties) after saving the
other application file.
Example of Creating a In this example, an active link will be established from Excel that
Link from Excel to an controls the pressure of a Txy property analysis in Aspen
Aspen Properties Input Properties.
Field
1 Open the Excel spreadsheet to display the data from where you
will establish the link (the source file.)
2 Select the cell containing the information that will be linked.

4 In the Aspen Properties problem, open the Properties Analysis
Input Temperature/Pressure sheet, and select the Pressure value
field.
5 From the Edit menu in Aspen Properties, click Paste Special.
button and make sure you are pasting as text by selecting Text
in the As list.

The pressure field on the Temperature/Pressure sheet is now an
active link to the source cell in the Excel spreadsheet. Any
changes made to the linked cell in the Excel spreadsheet will
automatically be reflected in the calculation input.
To illustrate the effect of the active link established in this
example:
1 Open the Excel spreadsheet, and change the pressure in the
linked cell from 760 to 1000.
2 Open the Properties Analysis Input Temperature/Pressure sheet
again, and note that the new value for Puressure has been
automatically changed.
Saving and Opening Files with Active

Links
If you create active links between Aspen Properties and other
Windows programs, you must follow a few rules to ensure that the
links continue to work when you save files and open them again.
You should understand the following terms:
• The link source is the program that is providing the data.
• The link container is the program into which you paste the link.
For example, if you copy data from Aspen Properties and use Paste
Special to paste a link into Excel, Aspen Properties is the link
source and Excel is the link container.
See one of the following topics:
• Saving files with active links
• Opening files with active links
Saving Files with When you save files with active links:
Active Links • Be sure to save both the link source file and the link container
file. If you do not, the link will not be there when you open the
files again.
• If you save the link source with a different name (for example,
using Save As), you must save the link container after saving
the link source. This is because the link container contains the
file name of the link source.
• If you have active links in both directions between the two
applications and you change the name of both files, you must
do three Save operations:
• Save the first application with a new name
• Save the second application with a new name
• Save the first application again
For example, if you have links in both directions between
Aspen Properties and Excel:
• Use Save As in Aspen Properties to save the run as
MYRUN
• Go to Excel and use Save As
• Return to Aspen Properties and Save
Note: Links are saved when you save in Aspen Properties

Document format (.apw) or Aspen Properties Backup format
(.bkp).
Opening Files with When you open the link source file, there is nothing special that
Active Links you need do.
When you open the link container file, you will usually see a
dialog box asking you if you want to re-establish the links.
Applications will behave differently or may show different dialog
boxes.
If you:
Click Then And
No The link will not be active Any changes you make in the
link source will not be reflected
in the link container.
Yes Windows will re-establish the You will not see the application
link and open the link source on the Windows taskbar. You
application in background. That might notice a pause as
is, the application will be open Windows activates the
and running, but there will be application.
no visible windows for the
application.
In some cases, when the link source is running in background, you
might want to make the application visible (have its windows
displayed) so that you can make changes.
Making the Link Source In some cases, when the link source is running in background, you
Visible might want to make the application visible (have its windows
displayed) so that you can make changes.
For example, you may be using Excel (as link source) to supply
pressure data to an Aspen Properties calculation (the link
container). Normally, you can just open Aspen Properties, re-
establish the links, and run the calculation. But if you want to
change the pressure data or add links to a another piece of data in
the Excel spreadsheet, you need to make Excel visible.
The method to make the link source application visible depends on
the application:
• For some applications, for example Aspen Properties and
Microsoft Word, you can open the file in the normal way using
Open from the File menu or double-clicking the file in
Windows Explorer.
• For other applications, like Excel, if you try to open the file in
the normal way, you will receive a message that the file is
locked or in use by another user. If you proceed and open the
file, you are actually working on another copy of the document
and links will not work properly.
Because of problems with some applications, follow this procedure
to make the link source application visible:
1 From the Edit menu in the link container application, select
Links.
The Links dialog box appears.
2 In the Links dialog box, select the source file and click Open
Source.
Now the link source application is visible. The application will
appear on the Windows taskbar.
Updating References in Microsoft Excel has an option which you must use to ensure that
Excel links are correctly re-established when you open files with active
links. To check the option:
1 In Excel, from the Tools menu, click Options.
2 In the Options dialog box, click the Calculations tab.
3 Ensure the Update Remote References checkbox is selected.
There is also an option to Save External Link Values. This
controls the behavior of Excel when you have links but do not
re-establish them when you open the file or the links become
broken.
If this option is Excel will display
Selected The last value it had before the link was broken
Clear An error
C H A P T E R 20
Using the Aspen Properties

ActiveX Automation Server
Overview
See one of the following topics for help on the Aspen Properties
ActiveX Automation Server:
• About the Automation server
• Viewing the properties and methods of Aspen Properties
objects
• Objects exposed by the Automation server
• Using the Variable Explorer to navigate the tree structure
• Navigating the tree structure in the Automation interface
• Data values and Node attributes
• Physical quantities and Units of Measure
• Referencing non-scalar data
• Controlling a calculation problem
This topic assumes that you are familiar with Visual Basic and
understand the concepts of object-oriented programming.
The examples in this topic use Visual Basic 5.0 and Visual Basic
for Applications (VBA) as the Automation Client. Examples are
based on the thiazole example problem which is provided with the
standard Aspen Properties installation as a backup file named
thiazole.aprbkp. If you installed Aspen Properties in the default
location, this file is in
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Properties 11.1\GUI\xmp.
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Using the Aspen Properties ActiveX Automation Server • 20-1
About the Automation Server
The Aspen Properties Windows user interface is an ActiveX
Automation Server. The ActiveX technology (also called OLE
Automation) enables an external Windows application to interact
with Aspen Properties through a programming interface using a
language such as Microsoft’s Visual Basic. The server exposes
objects through the COM object model.
With the Automation interface, you can:
• Connect both the inputs and the results of Aspen Properties
calculations to other applications such as design programs or
databases.
• Write your own user interface to an Aspen Properties model.
You can use this interface to distribute your model to others
who can run the Aspen Properties model without learning to
use the Aspen Properties user interface.
Using the Automation In order to use the Aspen Properties Automation Server, you must:
Server • Have Aspen Properties installed on your PC
• Be licensed to use Aspen Properties
Aspen Plus and Aspen Properties now share the same type library,
happ.tlb, which is located in the APrSystem GUI\xeq directory. If
you installed the APrSystem in the default directory, this will be:
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\APrSystem 11.1\GUI\xeq
The out-of-process server is AspenProperties.exe. An in-process
server AspenProperties.dll is also available.
Before you can access the Aspen Properties type library from
Visual Basic, in the Visual Basic Project References dialog box,
you must check the Aspen Plus GUI 11.1 Type Library box.
Before you can access the Aspen Properties type library from
Excel VBA, in the Excel Tools | References dialog box, you must
check the Aspen Plus GUI 11.1 Type Library box.
If Aspen Plus GUI 11.1 Type Library does not exist in the list,
click Browse and find happ.tlb in the directory listed above.
Error Handling Errors may occur in calling methods or accessing properties of the
Aspen Properties objects. It is important to create an error handler
for all code which accesses an automation interface. An
automation interface may return a dispatch error for many reasons,
most of which do not indicate fatal or even serious errors.
Unless there is an error handler in place any error will normally
cause a dialog box to be displayed on the user’s screen. In VB the
error handler is in the form of an On Error statement, e.g. On Error
20-2 • Using the Aspen Properties ActiveX Automation Server Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
Goto <line>. It is usual to create an error handling subroutine
which will tidy up and exit the application cleanly if any severe
errors are encountered.
Viewing the Properties and Methods

of Aspen Properties Objects
The properties and methods of the Aspen Properties objects may
be viewed in the Automation Client Object Browser:
In Visual Basic 5 and Excel, from the View menu, click Object
Browser.
In Excel, the Module sheet must be active for this menu item to be
present.
Most of the properties of Aspen Properties objects may be set
through the Automation interface to modify the calculation
problem. However some properties of calculation objects are read-
only. If a property is read-only this is shown in the VB Object
Browser, but not in the Excel VBA Object Browser.
Objects Exposed by The objects exposed by Aspen Properties are the HappLS (also
Aspen Properties called IHapp) and HappIP objects. These are the only object
types that the class Happ supports. An Aspen Properties
application object may be declared as an IHapp object or a
HappLS object. An in-process Aspen Properties object may be
declared as a HappIP object. Through one of these objects, the
other objects and their properties and methods may be accessed.
The objects exposed by Aspen Properties are as follows:
Object Description
HappLS The Aspen Properties client object
HappIP The Aspen Properties in-process client object
IHNode The Aspen Properties problem input and results data are
exposed as a tree structure composed of IHNode objects
IHNodeCol Each IHNode object may own other nodes, and these are
organized in an IHNodeCol collection object
IHAPEngine This object provides an interface to the Aspen Properties
calculation engine
The following code illustrates a method for creating a new Aspen
Properties problem from the automation interface:
Dim MyAspenProperties As Object
Set MyAspenProperties =
CreateObject("AspenProperties.Document")
MyAspenProperties.InitNew2
’ Do stuff with Aspen Properties
’ When done with Aspen Properties:
Set MyAspenProperties = Nothing
The HappLS and HappIP The HappLS (IHapp) and HappIP objects are the principal objects
Objects exposed by Aspen Properties. This object provides methods and
properties such as:
• Opening a calculation problem
• Controlling the visibility of the Aspen Properties GUI
• Saving a problem
Example of Opening A The following VB example obtains the simulation object for an
Calculation existing calculation stored in the backup file thiazole.aprbkp, and
sets the Visible property to display the Aspen Properties graphical
user interface.
Function OpenSimulation() As HappLS
Dim ihAPSim As HappLS
On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
’ open existing simulation
Set ihAPSim = _
GetObject("C:\Aspen Properties 11.1\GUI\xmp\thiazole.aprbkp")
’ display the GUI
ihAPSim.Visible = True
Set OpenSimulation = ihAPSim
Exit Function
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "OpenSimulation raised error " & Err & ": " & Error(Err)
End
End Function
The effect of the GetObject reference is to create a process running

the AspenProperties.exe object server. Any references to the same
problem file from the same or other processes will connect to the
same running instance of the AspenProperties server.
Example of Starting The following VB example obtains the simulation object for an
Aspen Properties as an existing simulation problem stored in the backup file
In-Process Server thiazole.aprbkp, while loading Aspen Properties as an in-process
server, then illustrates the proper way to shut down the in-process
server to allow for reuse by the same process.
Private Sub Command1_Click()
Dim aspen As HappIP
Set aspen = CreateObject("aspenproperties.document.IP")

aspen.InitFromArchive2 _
"C:\Aspen Properties 11.1\GUI\xmp\thiazole.aprbkp", 0
aspen.Visible = True
’ Close Aspen Plus

aspen.Close
Set aspen = Nothing
’ VB won’t try to unload libraries until it unloads

’ the form. The Aspen Properties dll needs to be unloaded
’ before reuse by this process.
CoFreeUnusedLibraries
End Sub
The final step, calling CoFreeUnusedLibraries, is needed to allow
aspenproperties.dll to be unloaded. This allows global variables to
be reinitialized if it is loaded again by the same executable.
The Aspen Properties The input and results data in an Aspen Properties calculation
Tree Structure problem are organized in a tree structure.
In order to access the data of interest in an Aspen Properties
calculation, you need to understand and navigate through the tree
structure and locate and identify the variables of interest. To do
this, you can use the Variable Explorer in the Aspen Properties
User Interface.
Using the Variable Explorer to

Navigate the Tree Structure
Use the Variable Explorer to view and access variables associated
with your calculation. The Variable Explorer displays the attributes
of each variable in the calculation in a similar way to the Data
Browser.
To open the Variable Explorer:

• From the Tools menu, click Variable Explorer.
The Variable Explorer displays a tree view similar to the Data
Browser. The difference is that the Data Browser displays the
variables conveniently grouped and laid out on forms with prompt
text, scrolling controls, selection boxes and fields for data entry.
The Variable Explorer exposes the underlying variables within the
calculation problem.
The Variable Explorer is important to the Automation user because
it shows the names and the structure of the variables which may be
accessed through the Automation interface.
Note: The Variable Explorer is read-only. You cannot use the

Variable Explorer to change values or other attributes of variables.
If you navigate through the tree structure in the Variable Explorer,
it is possible to create new objects which you may not be able to
delete. For this reason, you should save your Aspen Properties run
before using the Variable Explorer and not save it after you use the
Variable Explorer.
Example of Using the This example gives instructions for using the Variable Explorer to
Variable Explorer access data in the RadFrac block (Block B6) in pfdtut.bkp.
1 From the Tools menu, click Variable Explorer to open the
Variable Explorer.
The tree view on the left displays just the node labeled Root.
2 Double-click on the Root folder icon or click on the + icon to
display the nodes immediately below this: Data, Unit Table and
Settings.
3 Expand Data to display the next level of nodes: Setup through
to Results Summary.
4 Expand the Blocks icon to reveal a list of blocks on the
flowsheet: B1 through B6.
5 Expand B6 to display nodes labeled Input through to Work
Results.
6 Expand Input to display a list of nodes labeled Unit Set through
to Y_EST.
These nodes represent the calculation input data for the
RadFrac block. For example, below the Input node, the node
labeled NSTAGE holds the input value for the number of
stages in the column.
7 Click on the Output node to display a list of nodes labeled Unit
Set through Y_MS.
These nodes represent the output data for the RadFrac block.
For example, below the Output node, the node labeled
BU_RATIO holds the result value for the boilup ratio.
The Path to Node field of the Variable Explorer displays the
path to the node which is currently open. From this field, you
can copy and paste directly into your program. To do this,
complete these steps:
8 Select the text in the Path to Node field, then click the right
mouse button.
9 From the menu that appears, click Copy.
10 Go to your application (for example, Visual Basic or the Excel
Module sheet).
Navigating the Tree Structure in the

Automation Interface
The tree structure observed in the Data Browser is reflected in the
Automation interface.
The objects in an Aspen Properties calculation are exposed as a
tree structure of IHNode node objects. The root node of the tree is
obtained by the Tree property of IHapp.
Each IHNode object may have zero or more offspring IHNode
objects. Each IHNode object has a Dimension property which
determines how the offspring nodes are organized. A leaf node (i.e.
one with no offspring) has a Dimension of zero.
The offspring nodes of a node object may be obtained as a
collection object, IHNodeCol from the Elements property of an
IHNode object.
To illustrate this, consider this example.
Example to Illustrate
a Collection Object
Sub GetCollectionExample(ihAPsim As IHAPP)
’ This example illustrates use of a collection object
Dim ihRoot As ihNode
Dim ihcolOffspring As IHNodeCol
Dim ihOffspring As ihNode
Dim strOut As String
’get the root of the tree
Set ihRoot = ihAPsim.Tree
’now get the collection of nodes immediately below the Root
Set ihcolOffspring = ihRoot.Elements
For Each ihOffspring In ihcolOffspring
strOut = strOut & Chr(13) & ihOffspring.Name
Next
MsgBox "Offspring nodes are: " & strOut, , "GetCollectionExample"
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "GetCollectionExample raised error" & Err & ": " &
Error(Err)
End Sub
The collection object ihcolOffspring contains the collection of
nodes immediately below the root, i.e. those nodes with the labels
Data, Unit Table and Settings as observed in the Variable Explorer.
Nodes within each collection object may be accessed in one of two
ways:
• You can iterate through the collection object using a For Each
… Next structure, accessing each node in turn.
• You can access a node explicitly using the Item property of the
IHNodeCol object. In order to identify a particular item in a
collection, the Item property takes one or more arguments.
Each argument is either a string specifying the label or item
name of an offspring node in the next level of the tree, or an
integer specifying the ordinal number of the node in the
collection of offspring nodes. The number of arguments
required to the Item property is given by the Dimension
property of the parent.
Thus:
For Each ihOffspring In ihcolOffspring
.
.
.
Next
iterates through each node in the ihcolOffspring collection, and

Set ihDataNode = ihcolOffspring.Item("Data")
obtains the node with the label "Data". Note that the item names
are case sensitive.
The Dimension property determines the number of arguments
required:
if ihcolOffspring.Dimension = 1 then
Set ihDataNode = ihcolOffspring.Item("Data")
else if ihcolOffspring.Dimension = 2 then
Set ihDataNode = ihcolOffspring.Item("Data","id2")
endif
The Item property is the default property of IHNodeCol, so this

statement may be abbreviated simply by writing:
Set ihDataNode = ihcolOffspring("Data")
Dot Notation for To navigate down the tree you can chain the Item property
Navigating the Tree references together. For example, to get to the node labeled
NSTAGE which represents the number of stages in a RadFrac
block:
Set ihNStageNode = ihAPsim.Elements("Data"). _
Elements("Blocks").Elements("B6"). _
Elements("Input").Elements("NSTAGE")
A more concise notation is also available to navigate down the

tree. This simply allows the item names to be chained together,
without specifying either the Elements or the Item properties. For
example, the above assignment may be written:
Set ihNStageNode = ihAPSim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B6.Input.NSTAGE
However, although this ’dot’ notation is convenient in many

situations it has some restrictions:
• It will only work if the item names are consistent with the
syntax of an identifier within the language used by the
automation client, in this example Visual Basic. So the item
name must not contain embedded spaces or special characters.
For example the item name "Unit Table" would be invalid in
this notation.
• Certain node types do not support the dot notation. The node
types that do not support dot notation are connection, port,
setting table, route, label, & unit table.
Data Values
Once you have the leaf node containing the data value of interest,
you can obtain the data value associated with the node from the
Value property. Data values have an associated data type which is
held in the ValueType property.
ValueType returns one of the following:
ValueType Description Visual Basic Data Type
0 Value not defined
1 Integer Long
2 Real Double
3 String String
4 Node IHNode
Note: Aspen Properties returns 32bit integer and 64bit real values.
Therefore when using Visual Basic, integer and real valued
properties should be assigned to Long and Double variables
respectively in order to avoid potential overflow errors.
Node Attributes
You can obtain information called attributes about the node from
the AttributeValue and AttributeType properties. These take an
attribute number argument which is an enumerated value from
the HAPAttributeNumber class.
See one of these topics to see some commonly used attributes and
their descriptions.
The Attribute Name corresponds to the field in the Variable
Explorer.
• Value-related Attributes
• Meta-data Attributes for Records
• Attributes for Variable Nodes
• Attributes for Multi-dimensioned Variables Nodes
• Other attributes
You can see the full range of possible values and descriptions in
the Object Browser of your Automation client (e.g., VB5). In
general, you will only need a small subset of the attributes.
Each node typically only supports a subset of the attributes. You
can check whether an attribute is supported by querying the
AttributeType for the attribute. The attribute types returned are as
shown above for ValueType. If the AttributeType property returns
a value of zero for an attribute then the attribute is not defined for
that node.
Value-related This table shows commonly used value related attributes:
Attributes
Attribute HAP_AttributeNumber Description

Name
Value HAP_VALUE The current value
Physical HAP_UNITROW The row in the Unit Table for the physical quantity of the
Quantity value
Units of HAP_UNITCOL The column in the Unit Table for the physical quantity of the
Measure value
Basis HAP_BASIS The basis e.g. MOLE or MASS for a value
Option List HAP_OPTIONLIST A node whose offspring contain the valid values for this node
Meta-data Attributes This table shows commonly used meta-data attributes for records:
for Records
Attribute HAP_AttributeNumber Description

Name
Record Type HAP_RECORDTYPE If the node is record structured, e.g. a block or a stream, this
property is a string containing the record type, e.g
RADFRAC for a RADFRAC block and MATERIAL for a
material stream.
Completion HAP_COMPSTATUS Returns an integer code giving completion status. Bit masks
Status for interpretation are available in the enum
HAPCompStatusCode.
Attributes for This table shows commonly used attributes for variable nodes:
Variable Nodes
Attribute Name HAP_AttributeNumber Description
Output HAP_OUTVAR Is the variable node a results variable (read-only)
Enterable HAP_ENTERABLE Can the value attribute be modified?
Upper Limit HAP_UPPERLIMIT The upper limit on the value attribute.
Lower Limit HAP_LOWERLIMIT The lower limit on the value attribute.
Default Value HAP_VALUEDEFAULT The default value for the value attribute.
Prompt HAP_PROMPT A descriptive prompt for the node.
Attributes for Multi- This table shows commonly used attributes for multi-dimensioned
dimensioned variables nodes:
Variables Nodes

First Scrolled Pair HAP_FIRSTPAIR If the variable uses paired scrolling, the 1 based index
of the first item of the pair.
Other Attributes This table shows a commonly used attribute:
Has Children HAP_HASCHILDREN Returns True if the node has offspring nodes.
Physical Quantities and Units of

Measure
For a value which represents a physical quantity, there are two
important attributes:
• The physical quantity (for example, temperature or pressure)
• The units of measurement in which the physical quantity is
expressed (for example, degrees Kelvin or degrees Fahrenheit)
The following sections describe how to:
• Retrieve the physical quantity and the units for a value
• Convert a value to a different units of measurement
• Change the units in the Aspen Properties run
Retrieving Units of You can retrieve:
Measure • Units of measure for a value as a string
• Physical quantity and units of measure as references to the Unit
Table
Units of Measure as a The unit of measurement symbol for a value can be obtained from
String the UnitString property.
Example of Using Units of Measure
The following subroutine uses the UnitString property to display

the outlet pressure of a flash block together with the unit of
measurement.
Sub UnitStringExample(ihAPSim As IHApp)
’ This example retrieves the units of measurement symbol for a
’ variable
Dim ihPresNode As ihNode
Set ihPresNode = ihAPSim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B3.Output.B_PRES
MsgBox "Flash pressure is: " & ihPresNode.Value & Chr(9) & _
ihPresNode.UnitString, , "UnitStringExample"
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "UnitStringExample raised error " & Err & ": " & Error(Err)
End Sub
The Units Table Physical quantities and the corresponding units of measurement are
described in Aspen Properties by references to a Unit Table.
Sometimes it is convenient to use the units table directly, instead of
dealing with the UnitString of a particular value.
The unit table consists of rows representing physical quantities
and columns representing the units of measurement in which the
quantities can be expressed. The unit table is exposed in the
automation interface below the root node as a node labeled "Unit
Table". The elements in the collection below the Unit Table node
represent the rows of the table i.e. physical quantities. The labels of
these nodes are the names of the physical quantities. Below each
physical quantity node is a collection of nodes whose labels are
strings representing the symbols of the units of measurement in
which the owning physical quantity may be expressed.
For a node in the tree containing a physical value, the physical
quantity, or Unit Table row number, is obtained by reference to the
property AttributeValue(HAP_UNITROW). The unit of
measurement symbol, or Unit Table column number, is referenced
by the property AttributeValue(HAP_UNITCOL). Note that the
attribute values are actual row and column numbers and that when
referencing the row numbers with the Unit Table collections, you
must subtract one from these values.
Converting the Units You can retrieve a value in a specific unit with the ValueForUnit
of Measure for a property. The ValueForUnit property takes two arguments, the
Value desired unit row and the desired unit column.
Example of Converting Units of Measure
Retrieve the pressure of block B3, both in the units specified in the
run (psi) and in atm. atm is column 3 in the Unit Table.
Sub UnitsConversionExample(ihAPSim As IHApp)
’ This example retrieves a value both in the display units and an alternative
Dim ihPres As ihNode
Dim nRow As Long
Dim nCol As Long
Dim strDisplayUnits As String
Dim strConvertedUnits As String
Set ihPres = ihAPSim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B3.Output.B_PRES
’ retrieve the attributes for the display units (psi)
nRow = ihPres.AttributeValue(HAP_UNITROW)
nCol = ihPres.AttributeValue(HAP_UNITCOL)
strDisplayUnits = UnitsString(ihAPSim, nRow, nCol)
’select the alternative unit table column (atm)
nCol = 3
strConvertedUnits = UnitsString(ihAPSim, nRow, nCol)
MsgBox "Pressure in Display units: " & ihPres.Value & _
" " & strDisplayUnits & Chr$(13) & _
"Pressure in Converted units: " & _
ihPres.ValueForUnit(nRow, nCol) & " " & strConvertedUnits, _
, "UnitsConversionExample"
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "UnitsConversionExample raised error " & Err & ": " & Error(Err)
End Sub
Public Function UnitsString(ihAPSim As IHApp, nRow As Long, nCol As Long)
’ This function returns the units of measurement symbol given
’ the unit table row and column
On Error GoTo UnitsStringFailed
UnitsString = ihAPSim.Tree.Elements("Unit Table"). _
Elements(nRow - 1).Elements.Label(0, nCol - 1)
Exit Function
UnitsStringFailed:
UnitsString = ""
End Function
Changing the Units of You can use the HAP_UNITCOL attribute to directly change the
Measure for the units of measurement in the Aspen Properties run.
Aspen Properties Changing the HAP_UNITCOL attribute value has a different effect
Run depending on whether the value in an Input or Output value, as
follows:
• Changing the HAP_UNITCOL attribute of an output value will
convert the retrieved output value into the selected unit of
measurement. This is equivalent to changing the units on a
Results sheet in the Aspen Properties GUI.
• Changing the HAP_UNITCOL attribute for an input value
node will change the input specification units. It does not
convert the value into the selected unit of measurement. This is
equivalent to changing the units on an Input sheet in the Aspen
Properties GUI.
Sub UnitsChangeExample(ihAPsim)
Example of Converting Dim ihPres As ihNode
Units of Measure On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
Set ihPres = ihAPsim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B3.Output.B_PRES
MsgBox "Pressure in default units: " _
& ihPres.Value _
& Chr(9) & ihPres.UnitString
’ change units of measure to bar
ihPres.AttributeValue(HAP_UNITCOL, True) = 5
MsgBox "Pressure in selected units: " _
& ihPres.Value _
& Chr(9) & ihPres.UnitString
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "UnitsChangeExample raised error " & Err & ": " _
& Error(Err)
End Sub
Referencing Non-Scalar Variables in

the Automation Interface
Most of the data in a calculation problem is organized into arrays,
lists or tables, and therefore is contained in multi-valued variables.
Non-scalar data is accessed through the automation interface one
value at a time via the Value property of a leaf node. The
organization of the nodes which yield the values depends both
upon on the number of identifiers required to identify the value,
and upon the context. For example:
• A value in a column temperature profile requires the variable
name and one additional identifier: the stage number.
• A value in a column composition profile requires the variable
name and two additional identifiers: the stage number and the
component.
• A reaction coefficient within a reactor requires the variable
name and three additional identifiers: the reaction number, the
component and the substream.
Once a multi-valued variable node is located, selection of
identifiers to reach the required individual value involves
traversing down the tree. In some cases a single node traversal
represents selection of a single identifier. In other cases traversal of
a node represents selection of more than one identifier. Each node
has the property Dimension. If the value of Dimension is > 0 then
the node has offspring. The value of the Dimension property for a
node determines the number of identifiers associated with an
offspring of that node. Dimensions are referenced by an offset; the
first dimension number is zero and the last dimension number is
the value of the Dimension property minus one.
Offspring nodes are obtained in one of two ways:
• Using an iterator to loop through the collection object. For
example, using a For Each loop in Visual Basic
• Using the Item property of the collection object and specifying
an argument for each Dimension of the collection. The
argument may be either:
• An integer Location (also known as RowNumber) which
represents the ordinal number within the dimension. The
first Location in each dimension is numbered zero.
• A string Label which identifies the offspring node within
in the Dimension.
For each dimension you can obtain the number of valid locations
or labels from the RowCount property of the collection.
Note: Collections are not guaranteed to be in any particular order.

If it is important to you to access the items in a collection in a
particular order, use the string Labels of the items to access each
one in its proper order. Use For Each loops or loops over the
integer Location values only when you need to process all
elements of a collection and order is not important.
Accessing Variables The temperature profile in a RadFrac column is an example of a
With a Single variable with a single identifier. For the pfdtut calculation results,
Identifier: Column the temperature profile is displayed in the Data Browser in tabular
Temperature Profile form under Blocks>B6>Profiles>TPFQ.
The same information is located in the Variable Explorer under the
Root>Data>Blocks>B6>Output>B_TEMP variable node. Under
this node there are fifteen leaf nodes labeled 1 through 15,
corresponding to the temperatures on the stages.
See illustration.
Example Showing How to To obtain the B_TEMP variable node:

Access Column Set ihTVar =ihAPSim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B6.Output.B_TEMP
Temperature Profile Next, create a simple iteration loop to access the offspring nodes
through the Automation
representing the stages.
Interface For Each ihStage In ihTVar.Elements
.
.
Next ihStage
The identifier representing the stage number is retrieved by the

Name property of the stage node. The temperature value is
retrieved from the Value property of the stage node.
Sub TempProfExample(ihAPsim)
’ This example retrieves values for a non-scalar variable with one identifier
Dim ihTVar As ihNode
Dim ihStage As ihNode
Set ihTVar = ihAPsim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B6.Output.B_TEMP
strOut = ihTVar.Elements.DimensionName(0) & Chr(9) & ihTVar.Name
For Each ihStage In ihTVar.Elements
strOut = strOut & Chr(13) & ihStage.Name _
& Chr(9) & Format(ihStage.Value, "###.00") _
& Chr(9) & ihStage.UnitString
Next ihStage
MsgBox strOut, , "TempProfExample"
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "TempProfExample raised error " & Err & ": " & Error(Err)
End Sub
Accessing Variables The liquid composition profile for RadFrac is an example of a

with 2 Identifiers: variable with two identifiers. For the pfdtut calculation results, the
Column Composition variable X in the Variable Explorer tree view is shown in this
Profile diagram.
The first level of nodes below the variable X represents the stages
in the column and each node has the Name property set to the stage
number. The second level of nodes contains the nodes for each of
the component compositions and the Name property of these nodes
is the component id. The Value property of the second level node
is the composition of the component in the stage represented by the
first level node.
The following code fragment illustrates how to retrieve the
component compositions from this structure. It contains two nested
loops which iterate through the levels to access the value nodes.
Public Sub CompProfExample(ihAPsim As IHApp)
’ This example retrieves values for a non-scalar variable with two
’ identifiers
Dim ihTrayNode As ihNode
Dim ihXNode As ihNode
Dim ihCompNode As ihNode
Set ihXNode = ihAPsim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B6.Output.Elements("X")
For Each ihTrayNode In ihXNode.Elements
For Each ihCompNode In ihTrayNode.Elements
strOut = strOut & Chr(13) & ihTrayNode.Name & _
Chr(9) & ihCompNode.Name & Chr(9) & _
ihCompNode.Value
Next ihCompNode
Next ihTrayNode
MsgBox strOut, , "CompProfExample"
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "CompProfExample raised error " & Err & ": " & Error(Err)
End Sub
This illustration shows the Variable Explorer tree view for the the
Accessing Variables
RStoic reactor block B2 in the pfdtut calculation.
With 3 Identifiers:
Reaction Coefficients
In the RStoic reactor model, the stochiometric coefficients of the

reactions are held in the input variables COEF and COEF1 which
represent the reaction coefficients for the reactants and products,
respectively.
Both these nodes have a list of offspring nodes, each of which
represents a reaction equation.
As this block has only one reaction, both COEF and COEF1 have
just one offspring node labeled "1" representing the single reaction
with the reaction number "1".
The reaction node has two dimensions so the Dimension property
of this node returns a value of 2. There are two identifiers
associated with each offspring. The identifier for the first
dimension is the component of the reactant. The identifier for the
second dimension is the substream, in this case the MIXED
substream.
The reaction node is an example of a node which uses paired
scrolling of identifiers. Here the only significant offspring nodes
are those with the same row number in each dimension. The
existence of paired scrolling may be determined from the value of
the property AttributeValue (HAP_FIRSTPAIR). If the node uses
paired scrolling of offspring, this property returns the 1-based
index of the first item of the scrolling pair.
The following example code shows how to retrieve the coefficients
under the COEF node together with the associated identifiers. Note
that because paired scrolling is used, only the nodes with the same
value of location in each dimension are accessed.
Sub ReacCoeffExample(ihAPsim As IHApp)
’ This example illustrates retrieving values for a non-scalar variable
’ with three identifiers
Dim ihReacNode As ihNode
Dim ihCoeffNode As ihNode
Dim intOff As Long
Dim strHeading As String
Dim strTable As String
Dim nReacCoeff As Integer
Set ihCoeffNode = ihAPsim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B2.Input.COEF
’ loop through reaction nodes
For Each ihReacNode In ihCoeffNode.Elements
strHeading = ihCoeffNode.Elements.DimensionName(0) _
& Chr(9) & ihReacNode.Elements.DimensionName(0) _
& Chr(9) & ihReacNode.Elements.DimensionName(1)
nReacCoeff = ihReacNode.Elements.RowCount(0)
’ loop through coefficient nodes retrieving component and substream
’ identifiers and coefficient values
For intOff = 0 To nReacCoeff - 1
strTable = strTable & Chr(13) & ihReacNode.Name & Chr(9) _
& Chr(9) & ihReacNode.Elements.Label(0, intOff) & Chr(9) _
& Chr(9) & ihReacNode.Elements.Label(1, intOff) & Chr(9) _
& Chr(9) & ihReacNode.Elements.Item(intOff, intOff).Value
Next intOff
MsgBox strHeading & strTable, , "ReacCoeffExample"
Next ihReacNode
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "ReacCoeffExample raised error " & Err & ": " & Error(Err)
End Sub
Controlling a Calculation from an
Automation Client
The Engine property of a Happ object returns a IHAPEngine
object, which is an interface to the calculation engine. The Happ
and IHAPEngine objects provide methods to enable an Automation
client program to run and control a calculation.
The following code fragment illustrates how a user is prompted for
a calculation parameter, the calculation is re-run and the updated
results are displayed to the user.
Public Sub RunExample(ihAPsim As IHApp)
’ This example changes a calculation parameter and
’ re-runs the calculation
Dim ihEngine As IHAPEngine
Dim nStages As Variant
Dim strPrompt As String
Set ihEngine = ihAPsim.Engine
EditCalculation:
nStages = ihAPsim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B6.Input.Elements("NSTAGE").Value
strPrompt = "Existing number of stages for column B6 = " & nStages _
& Chr(13) & "Enter new value for number of stages."
nStages = InputBox(strPrompt)
If (nStages = "") Then GoTo finish
’ edit the calculation
ihAPsim.Tree.Data.Blocks.B6.Input.Elements("NSTAGE").Value = nStages
’ run the calculation
ihAPsim.Run
’ look at the status and results
Call ListBlocksExample(ihAPsim)
Call TempProfExample(ihAPsim)
GoTo EditCalculation
finish:
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
MsgBox "RunExample failed with error " & Err & Chr(13) & Error(Err)
End Sub
Members of Aspen Properties
Classes
This section lists the members of each of the exposed Aspen
Properties classes.
Members of Classes
HappLS and HappIP
Standard VB Properties and Properties to Manipulate the Main Window
Name and Arguments Member Read-only Description
Type
Activate() Sub Activate the application
Application As Happ Property Yes Returns the application of the object
FullName As String Property Yes Returns the full name of the application
Name As String Property Yes Returns the name of the application
Parent As Happ Property Yes Returns the creator of the object
Visible As Boolean Property Returns the visible state of the application
Properties to Access Other Parts of the Object Model
Type
Engine As Property Yes Return the interface to the calculation engine
IHAPEngine
Tree As IHNode Property Yes Get top node of file
Basic File Operations
Type
Save() Sub Saves current file
SaveAs(filename As Sub Saves current file under new name
String, [overwrite])
Restore(filename As Property Yes Restores, or merges, an archive file into the current
String) problem
WriteArchive Sub Exports a archive file.
(filename As String)
Initialization Methods to be Used with CreateObject()
Type
InitFromArchive Sub Opens an archive and initializes
InitFromFile(filename Sub Opens a file and initializes
As String, [readonly])
InitFromTemplate Sub Opens a template and initializes
InitNew([filename], Sub Initializes a new, untitled tree
[overwrite])
Basic Run Operations
Name and Arguments Member Type Read-only Description
Reinit() Sub Reinitialize the calculation case. To reinitialize
specific blocks or streams, use the Reinit member of
the IHAPEngine class.
Run() Sub Run the calculation case.
Selection Buffer Operations Used to do Cut and Paste Strictly Via
Automation
DeleteSelection(Key Sub Delete a selection buffer.
As String)
NewSelection(Key As Function Create and return a new selection buffer.
String) As IHSelection
SaveSelection(Key As Sub Save a selection buffer.
String)
Selection(Key As Property Yes Retrieve a selection buffer.
String) As IHSelection
Members of Class
IHNode
Standard VB Properties
Application As Happ Property Yes Returns the application of the object.
Parent As Happ Property Yes Returns the creator of the object.
Properties to Access Other Parts of the Object Model
Dimension As Long Property Yes Return the number of dimensions in the directory (0
for scalar).
Elements As Property Yes Return a collection object containing the node’s
IHNodeCol offspring nodes
Access Data Values
Type
AttributeType Property Yes Get type of attribute for attrnum:
(attrnumber As 1=int
Integer) As Integer 2=real
3=string
4=node
5=memory block
(see Enum HAPAttributeNumber for possible values).
AttributeValue Property Get the value of the attribute for attrnum (see Enum
(attrnumbe As Integer, HAPAttributeNumber for possible values).
[force])
HasAttribute Property Yes Checks whether attribute is defined for attrnum (see
(attrnumber As HAPAttributeNumber for possible values).
Integer) As Boolean
SetValueAndUnit Sub Store the value attribute and the Unit of Measurement
(Value, unitcol As attribute of the object simultaneously.
Integer, [force])
SetValueUnitAndBasis Sub Store the value attribute, the Unit of Measurement
(Value, unitcol As attribute, and the basis for the object simultaneously.
Integer, basis As
String, [force])
Value([force]) Property Get the value attribute of the object.
ValueForUnit(unitrow Property Gets the value in the specified units.
As Integer, unitcol As
Integer)
ValueType As Integer Property Yes Get type of value attribute:
0=not defined
1=int
2=real
3=string
4=node
5=memory block
Helper Methods
Type
FindNode(path As Function Navigate to a different node.
String) As IHNode
Name([force]) As Property Returns the name of the object (force argument is
String unused).
UnitString As String Property Yes Returns the unit of measurement symbol of the node
value as a string.
Methods Used to Manipulate the Data
Type
Clear() Sub Clear contents of the node.
Delete() Sub Delete element.
RemoveAll() Sub Remove all elements.
Members of Class
IHNodeCol
Standard VB Properties
Name and Arguments Member Type Read- Description
only
Application As Happ Property Yes Returns the application of the object.
Parent As Happ Property Yes Returns the creator of the object.
Main Navigation Method
Type
Item(loc_or_name, Property Yes Given a set of indices or names, returns an element in
[loc_or_name2], the collection
[loc_or_name3],
[loc_or_name4],
[loc_or_name5]) As
IHNode
Principal Data Manipulation Methods
Type
Add([loc_or_name], Function Creates and adds a child of type:
[loc_or_name2], 1 = scalar
[loc_or_name3], 4 = list
[loc_or_name4], 5 = named list, with value type of:
[loc_or_name5]) As 0=not defined
IHNode 1=int
2=real
3=string
4=node
5=memory block.
Insert(element As Sub Inserts an element into collection.
IHNode,
[loc_or_name],
[loc_or_name2],
[loc_or_name3],
[loc_or_name4],
[loc_or_name5])
InsertRow(dimension Sub Inserts a new row at location in the specified dimension,
As Long, location As dim.
Long)
Type
Remove(loc_or_name, Function Removes an element.
[loc_or_name2],
[loc_or_name3],
[loc_or_name4],
[loc_or_name5]) As
IHNode
RemoveRow Sub Removes a row at location in the specified dimension,
(dimension As Long, dim.
location As Long)
Important Properties About the Data
Type
Dimension As Long Property Yes Returns the number of dimensions in the directory.
Label(dimension As Property Returns the row label for the specified row location in
Long, location As the specified dimension (force argument is unused).
Long, [force]) As
String
LabelLocation(Label Property Yes Returns the location, or row number, of the label along
As String, dimension the dimension, dim.
As Long) As Long
RowCount(dimension Property Yes Returns the number of elements in the dimension.
As Long) As Long
Other Properties About the Data
only
Count Property Yes Returns total number of object slots in collection.
DimensionName Property Yes Gets a display name for the given dimension for variable
(dimension As Long) or table.
As String
LabelNode(dimension Property Yes Returns a node for manipulating the label.
As Long, location As
Long, [Label]) As
IHNode
IsNamedDimension Property Yes Returns whether the rows for this dimension of the
([dim]) As Boolean collection are named.
ItemName(location As Property Returns name or row name for element at location (force
Long, [dim], [force]) argument is unused).
As String
LabelAttribute Property Returns the value of an attribute for the label in the row,
(dimension As Long, location, along the dimension, dim, for attrnum (see
location As Long, HAPAttributeNumber for possible values), (force
attrnum As Integer, argument is unused).
[force])
only
LabelAttributeType Property Yes Returns the type of an attribute for the label in the row,
(dimension As Long, location, along the dimension, dim, for attrnum (see
location As Long, HAPAttributeNumber for possible values).
attrnum As Integer) As
Integer
Members of Class
IHAPEngine
Basic Run Operations
Type
MoveTo(object_type Sub Move current calculation step to object or begining of
As sequence.
IAP_MOVETO_TYPE,
[object_id])
Reinit([object_type], Sub Reinitialize all or portion of calculation (if object_type is
[object_id]) used it must be an IAP_REINIT_TYPE.)
Run() Sub Run calculation problem.
Stop() Sub Stop calculation run.
Manipulate Stop Points
Type
AddStopPoint(type As Sub Add a stop point, before_or_after:
IAP_STOPPOINT_TYPE, 1 = before
object_id As String, 2 = after.
before_or_after As
Long)
ClearStopPoints() Sub Clear all stop points.
DeleteStopPoint(index Sub Delete stop point based on 1-based index.
As Long)
StopPointCount As Property Yes How many stop points are set?
Long
GetStopPoint(index As Sub Retrieve information about a stop point, index: 1-based
Long, type As index of stop point before_or_after: 1 = before , 2 =
IAP_STOPPOINT_TYPE, after.
object_id As String,
before_or_after As
Long)
Manipulate the Client-Server Communications
Type
Host(host_type As Function Connect to host specified by host_type (0-based index of
Long, [node], available host types).
[username],
[password],
[working_directory])
As Boolean
HostCount As Long Property Yes Returns the number of host types available to connect to.
HostDescription Function Returns a description for the host type specifed by the
(host_type As Long) host_type index (0-based).
As String
Miscellaneous Option Settings
Type
EngineFilesSettings Property Retrieve setting for engine files.
(file As
IAP_ENGINEFILES)
As String
OptionSettings(type As Property Retrieve setting for calculation run options.
IAP_RUN_OPTION)
As Boolean
C H A P T E R 21
Aspen Properties Excel

Calculator
Overview
This chapter describes how to install and use the Aspen Properties
Excel Calculator for your property calculation needs from
Microsoft Excel™.
Topics covered include:
• About Aspen Properties Excel Calculator
• Adding Aspen Properties Excel Calculator to the Excel
Environment
• Using Aspen Properties Excel Calculator
• Aspen Properties Excel Functions
• Flash Calculations
• Example of Using the Aspen Properties Excel Calculator
About Aspen Properties Excel

Calculator
Many chemists and engineers use the Excel spreadsheet to build
specialized models as part of their daily work such as a reactor
model or a program to perform emission calculations. These
models often require physical properties. The Aspen Properties
Excel calculator provides rigorous physical properties as Excel
built-in functions. These functions are easy-to-use, can be
integrated in spreadsheet calculations, and provide full access to all
the property methods and models available in Aspen Properties.
You can use these functions to calculate physical properties of pure
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Aspen Properties Excel Calculator • 21-1
components and mixtures, as well as to perform phase equilibrium
calculations.
Adding Aspen Properties Excel

Calculator to the Excel Environment
To add the Aspen Properties Excel Calculator to the Excel
environment:
1 Open Microsoft Excel 95 or 97.
2 Go to the Tools menu and select Add-ins. The Add-ins dialog
box appears.
3 Click on the Browse button, go to the \Engine\xeq directory
where the Aspen Properties calculation engine was installed
(e.g., C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Properties
11.1\Engine\xeq), select the Aspen Properties.xla file.
A new menu item, Aspen Properties will appear on the main menu
bar of Microsoft Excel.
If you installed Aspen Properties with the Lite Client option, in
step 3, you need to locate the Aspen Properties.xla file in the
\Engine\xeq directory on the file server. You must respond No,
when asked whether or not to copy the Excel Add-In file to your
local drive.
Using Aspen Properties Excel

Calculator
The steps involved in using the Aspen Properties Excel Calculator
are:
• Setting a property package for use in the property calculations.
A property package contains all the components, property
methods, and data that are required for property calculations.
Therefore, this is the most important step.
• Selecting components and properties
• Selecting Units of measure for use in converting values to the
desired Units. Units for input and results of the property
functions are in SI units.
• Selecting the built-in functions for performing the property
calculations
21-2 • Aspen Properties Excel Calculator Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide
Setting a Property A Property package is a complete, reusable, validated collection of
Package chemical components, property methods, property constants and
model parameters required for property calculations. You can
either use one of the existing property packages or create a new
package using Aspen Properties User Interface. Property packages
are saved in the Aspen Properties backup format (*.aprbkp).
Selecting a Property To select a property package:
Package
1 Select any cell on the worksheet. Go to the Aspen Properties
Tool bar menu and choose the Select Property Package option.
Choose either Aspen Properties (for the package saved as
*.aprbkp file) or CAPE-OPEN (for the package saved as
CAPE-OPEN compliant property package) from the list of
types of Property Packages available.
If you select CAPE-OPEN, the following property packages
appear. The available CAPE-OPEN property packages are
those saved in the Cape-Open Property Packages directory
where the Aspen Properties Engine was installed (e.g.,
C:\Program Files\AspenTech\Aspen Properties
11.1\Engine\CapeOpen Property Packages).
2 Choose the desired property package from the list then click
the OK button.
If you select Aspen Properties, the Open dialog box appears.
Type *.aprbkp in the File name field to show all Aspen Properties
backup files. You can then locate the property packages that have
been configured and saved as the Aspen Properties backup files.
Click open to select the property package.
Creating a New Property To create a new property package, use the Aspen Properties User
Package Interface. You can start Aspen Properties in the following ways:
• From the Aspen Properties Toolbar menu of Excel, select
Launch Aspen Properties.
• From the Start menu of the desktop, select Programs,
AspenTech, Aspen Engineering Suite, Aspen Properties 11.1
and then Aspen Properties User Interface.
Use the Aspen Properties User Interface to select components and
property methods, enter property parameters and data, perform
analysis to verify the property data and methods, or estimate any
missing parameters. When you are satisfied that you can
adequately represent the system of interest, save the property
package by using File/Save As then select the Aspen Properties
backup (*.aprbkp) format.
Selecting To select components from a selected property package for use in
Components the Excel property functions:
1 Select a range of cells depending on the number of components
required. Go to the Aspen Properties/Select Components menu.
A list of components available in the property package appears.
2 Select the desired components. Click OK.
Selecting Properties To select properties to be used in defining the Excel property

functions:
1 Select a range of cells and go to the Aspen Properties/Select
Properties menu.
A list of supported properties appears.
2 Select the desired properties. Click OK.
Selecting Units All input to and output from Aspen Properties functions are in SI
units. However, Aspen Properties Excel Calculator provides:
1 Utility to specify a units label for a value you enter. For
example, you can specify that the value has the temperature
units of C.
2 A function to convert a value from one units to another units.
To select units:
1 Select a cell and go to the Aspen Properties/Select Units menu.
A list of available units appears.
Alternatively, use right click on mouse to bring up a window
and select Specify Units or Convert Units. Temperature and
pressure units have been predefined for quick access. This will
tag the cell for units conversion (see the note on
UnitsConversion in the Using Properties Functions section).
2 Select a units type, then the units label. Click OK
The selected units label will be displayed in the current cell.
You can choose another cell and select the desired units. To
convert units, you need to use the UnitsConversion function
described in the Using Properties Functions section. Note that
the units label you specify is not associated with any value in
another cell.
You can also tag a value entered in a cell with units. The units of
measure appears as the comment for the value. To assign units to a
value:
1 Select the cell where the value has been entered. Use the right
mouse button to bring up the option menu. Select Specity
units. The Select Units dialog box appears.
2 Select a Units type, then units label. Click OK.
The selected units label appears as comments for the value.
For convenience, the right mouse menu contains options for
temperature and pressure units specification and conversion.
Using Properties Aspen Properties provides functions for performing property and
Functions flash calculations as well as units conversion. These functions can
be categorized in two types, depending on their return value. Scalar
functions return a single value, whereas Array functions return
multiple values in the form of an array.
Aspen Properties functions work in the same way as the Excel
built-in functions, such as the SUM, AVERAGE, STDEV, MAX,
etc.
To use a property function, highlight the desired cell (or multiple
cells for an array function), click on the button on the toolbar,
then follow the instructions for the functions wizard.
Scalar Functions These functions return a single property value.
1 Select a single cell and go to the Insert/Function menu or use
the Function button on the toolbar.
A Paste Function window appears.
2 Select Aspen Properties in the Function category list and a
desired scalar Function name from the list available (A
description of available functions is given below). Once a
function is selected, click OK.
A new window appears with a list of function arguments to be
filled. Fill the arguments by selecting the cells on the
spreadsheet containing the corresponding information, e.g.
Temperature, Pressure, ComponentList, or you can enter the
value directly.
Make sure you complete all the arguments. Use the scroll bar
to see more arguments. Due to the limitation of the Excel
function dialog, the dialog box cannot be expanded to show all
the required arguments. Click OK.
Array Functions These functions return multiple values, depending on the number
of components.
• Select a horizontal range of cells and go to the Insert/Function
menu or use the Function button on the toolbar. A Paste
Function window appears. Note that array functions return a
horizontal row of results; a column range will not work.
• Select Aspen Properties in the Function Category list and a
desired array Function name from the list available (A
description of available functions is given below).
• Fill the arguments by selecting the cells on the spreadsheet
containing the corresponding information, e.g. Temperature,
Pressure, ComponentList, or you can enter the value directly.
Make sure you fill in all the arguments.
• While holding down Ctrl + Shift keys, click OK.
Aspen Properties Excel Functions

The following Aspen Properties Excel functions are available:
Function Type Description
MixtureProperty Scalar and Mixture Properties
Array
PHFlash Scalar and Pressure – Molar enthalpy flash
Array
PureComponentConstant Array Pure component constant, such
as molecular weight.
PureProperty Array Pure component properties
PVFlash Scalar and Pressure – Vapor fraction flash
Array
THFlash Scalar and Temperature – Molar enthalpy
Array flash
TPFlash Scalar and Temperature – Pressure flash
Array
TVFlash Scalar and Temperature-Vapor fraction
Array flash
UnitsConversion Scalar Units Conversion , e.g. Convert
temperature from K to °F
VaporPressure Array Vapor pressure of pur
component at a given
temperature.
Arguments for the functions are listed below:
Name Type Description
ComponentList Array List of components for which
properties are to be calculated.
MoleFraction Array Composition of the mixture
(mole fraction of each
component). Should be in the
same order as ComponentList.
PropertyName Scalar Property to be calculated. Use
the Aspen Properties, Select
Properties menu to obtain a list
of available properties.
Temperature Scalar Temperature (K)
Pressure Scalar Pressure (N/sqm)
MolarEnthalpy Scalar Molar enthalpy (J/kmol)
Phase Scalar Phase identifier. L for liquid, V
for vapor.
VaporFraction Scalar Vapor fraction (a number
between 0 and 1)
FlashType Scalar Type of flash calculation (see
Flash Calculations Section))
From_Units Scalar Units from which conversion is
to be performed
To_Units Scalar Units to which conversion is to
be performed.
From_Value Scalar Numerical value which needs to
be converted
PureComponent This function returns pure component constant values such as
Constant molecular weight and normal boiling point. This function returns
multiple values, with one value for each component specified. Use
Shift-Ctrl while defining this function for multiple components.
You must select the same number of cells as the number of
components. Return values are in SI units.
Syntax:
PureComponentConstant(ComponentList, Property Name)
Arguments:
ComponentList List of strings specifying component IDs for
components in the mixture. Can be a single value
or an array.
Property Name A string specifying name of property to be
calculated. Must be a single value. Valid property
names are displayed through Aspen Property/Select
properties menu item.
VaporPressure This function returns vapor pressure of pure component at a given
temperature. Temperature must be specified in Kelvin. This
function returns multiple values, with each value representing
vapor pressure of a component specified in the list. Use Shift-Ctrl
while defining this function for multiple components. You must
select the same number of cells as the number of components.
Syntax:
VaporPressure(ComponentList,Temperature)
Arguments:
components in the mixture. Can be a single value
or an array.
Temperature A real number specifying temperature in Kelvin.
This function returns the pure component property for the specified
PureProperty
components at given temperature and pressure. Temperature must
be specified in Kelvin and pressure in N/sqm. This function returns
multiple values, with one property value for each component
specified. Use Shift+Ctrl while defining this function for multiple
components. Return values are in SI units.
Syntax:
PureProperty(ComponentList, PropertyName, Temperature, Pressure,
Phase)
Arguments:
which properties are to be calculated. Can be a
single value for one component or an array for
multicomponents.
PropertyName A string specifying name of property to be
calculated. Must be a single value. Valid property
names are displayed through the Aspen
Properties/Select properties menu.
Pressure A real number specifying pressure in N/sqm.
Phase A string specifying the phase for the property.
Valid phases are L, V and S.
This function returns property for the specified mixture at the
MixtureProperty
given temperature, pressure and mole fractions. Temperature must
be specified in Kelvin and pressure in N/sqm. This function returns
a single property value( molar volume, molar enthalpy etc.) as well
as multiple values for the property of a component in the mixture(
fugacity coefficient, activity coefficient etc. ). Use Shift+Ctrl while
defining this function for multiple values. Return values are in SI
units.
Syntax:
MixtureProperty(ComponentList, MoleFraction, PropertyName,
Temperature, Pressure, Phase)
Arguments:
ComponentList List of strings specifying component
IDs for components in the mixture. Can
be a single value or an array.
MoleFraction Mole fractions of components in the
mixture. Must be in the same order as
ComponentList. Total of mole fraction
values must be 1.
PropertyName A string specifying name of property to
be calculated. Must be a single value.
Valid property names are displayed
through Aspen Property/Select
properties menu item.
Temperature A real number specifying temperature in
Kelvin.
Pressure A real number specifying pressure in
N/m2.
Phase A string specifying the phase for the
property. Valid phases are L, V and S.
(Note: Phase is case sensitive.)
Flash Calculations
There are several functions available for flash (phase equilibrium)
calculations. Aspen Properties supports vapor-liquid (2 phase) as
well as vapor-liquid-liquid (3-phase) equilibrium calculations.
Valid types for flash are:
FlashType Descriptions Required Return Values
Specificatio
ns
PVFlash Pressure-Vapor fraction P, V T, H, X, Y
vapor-liquid flash
PHFlash Pressure-Enthalpy vapor- P, H T, V, X, Y
liquid flash
TPFlash Temperature-Pressure T,P V, H, X, Y
vapor-liquid flash
TVFlash Temperature-Vapor fraction T, V P, H, X, Y
vapor-liquid flash
THFlash Temperature-Enthalpy T, H P, V, X, Y
vapor-liquid flash
PVFlash3 Pressure-Vapor fraction P, V T, H, BETA, X:1,
vapor-liquid-liquid flash X:2, Y
PHFlash3 Pressure-Enthalpy vapor- P, H T, V, BETA, X:1,
liquid-liquid flash X:2, Y
TPFlash3 Temperature-Pressure T,P V, H, BETA, X:1,
TVFlash3 Temperature-Vapor fraction T, V P, H, BETA, X:1,
THFlash3 Temperature-Enthalpy T, H P, V, BETA, X:1,
T, P, H, BETA, and V are scalar return values
X, X:1, X:2, and Y are arrays with length equal to the number of
components specified in ComponentList.
The first return value listed for each flash type is the default return
value.
All input and return values are in SI units. You can use the Units
Conversion function to convert the input from other units and to
convert the return values to the desired units.
PVFlash This function performs vapor-liquid flash calculations for a given
mixture at specified pressure and vapor fraction. Pressure must be
specified in N/sqm. Depending on the return value requested, this
function returns single or multiple values. If temperature (T) or
molar enthalpy (H) is requested, a single value is returned. If liquid
(X) or vapor (Y) composition is requested, multiple values are
returned. Use Shift+Ctrl while defining this function to request X
or Y. Return values are in SI units.
Syntax:
PVFlash(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Pressure, VaporFraction,
Returns)
Arguments:
components in the mixture.
MoleFraction Mole fractions of components in the mixture.
Must be in the same order as ComponentList.
Total of mole fraction values must be 1.
VaporFraction A real number between 0 and 1, specifying the
molar vapor fraction.
Returns A string specifying the variable to be returned.
Valid values are T, H, X and Y representing
temperature, molar enthalpy and liquid and vapor
mole fractions, respectively.
This function performs vapor-liquid flash calculations for a given
PHFlash
mixture at specified pressure and molar enthalpy. Pressure must be
specified in N/sqm. Molar enthalpy must be specified in J/kmol.
Depending on the return value requested, this function returns
single or multiple values. If temperature (T) or vapor fraction (V)
is requested, a single value is returned. If liquid (X) or vapor (Y)
composition is requested, multiple values are returned. Use
Shift+Ctrl while defining this function to request X or Y. Return
values are in SI units.
Syntax:
PHFlash(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Pressure, MolarEnthalpy,
Returns)
Arguments:
Molar enthalpy A real number specifying the molar enthalpy in
J/kmol.
Valid values are T, V, X and Y representing
temperature, vapor fraction and liquid and vapor
TPFlash
mixture at specified temperature and pressure. Temperature must
be specified in Kelvin and pressure must be specified in N/sqm.
Depending on the return value requested, this function returns
single or multiple values. If vapor fraction (V) or molar enthalpy
(H) is requested, a single value is returned. If liquid (X) or vapor
(Y) composition is requested, multiple values are returned. Use
Syntax:
TPFlash(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Temperature, Pressure, Returns)
Arguments:
Pressure A real number specifying pressure in N/m2.
Valid values are V, H, X and Y representing vapor
fraction, molar enthalpy and liquid and vapor mole
fractions, respectively.
TVFlash
mixture at specified temperature and vapor fraction. Temperature
must be specified in Kelvin. Depending on the return value
requested, this function returns single or multiple values. If
pressure (P) or molar enthalpy (H) is requested, a single value is
returned. If liquid (X) or vapor (Y) composition is requested,
multiple values are returned. Use Shift+Ctrl while defining this
function to request X or Y. Return values are in SI units.
Syntax:
TVFlash(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Temperature, VaporFraction,
Returns)
Arguments:
Valid values are P, H, X and Y representing
pressure, molar enthalpy and liquid and vapor
THFlash
mixture at specified temperature and molar enthalpy. Temperature
must be specified in Kelvin. Molar enthalpy must be specified in
J/kmol. Depending on the return value requested, this function
returns single or multiple values. If pressure (P) or vapor fraction
(V) is requested, a single value is returned. If liquid (X) or vapor
Syntax:
THFlash(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Temperature, MolarEnthalpy,
Returns)
Arguments:
Molar Enthalpy A real number specifying the molar enthalpy in
J/kmol.
Valid values are P, V, X and Y representing
temperature, vapor fraction and liquid and vapor
This function performs vapor-liquid-liquid flash calculations for a
PVFlash3
given mixture at specified pressure and vapor fraction. Pressure
must be specified in N/sqm. Depending on the return value
requested, this function returns single or multiple values. If
temperature (T), molar enthalpy (H), or molar fraction liquid 1
(BETA) is requested, a single value is returned. If liquid 1 (X:1),
liquid 2 (X:2) or vapor (Y) composition is requested, multiple
values are returned. Use Shift+Ctrl while defining this function to
request X:1, X:2 or Y. Return values are in SI units.
Syntax:
PVFlash3(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Pressure, VaporFraction,
Returns)
Arguments:
Valid values are T, H, BETA, X:1, X:2 and Y
representing temperature, molar enthalpy, molar
fraction liquid 1, and liquid 1, liquid 2 and vapor
PHFlash3
given mixture at specified pressure and molar enthalpy. Pressure
must be specified in N/sqm. Molar enthalpy must be specified in
J/kmol. Depending on the return value requested, this function
returns single or multiple values. If temperature (T), vapor fraction
(V), or molar fraction liquid 1 (BETA) is requested, a single value
is returned. If liquid 1 (X:1), liquid 2 (X:2) or vapor (Y)
composition is requested, multiple values are returned. Use
Shift+Ctrl while defining this function to request X:1, X:2 or Y.
Return values are in SI units.
Syntax:
PHFlash3(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Pressure, MolarEnthalpy,
Returns)
Arguments:
Molar enthalpy A real number specifying the molar enthalpy in
J/kmol.
Valid values are T, V, BETA, X:1, X:2, and Y
representing temperature, vapor fraction, molar
fraction liquid 1 and liquid 1, liquid 2 and vapor
TPFlash3
given mixture at specified temperature and pressure. Temperature
must be specified in Kelvin and pressure must be specified in
N/sqm. Depending on the return value requested, this function
returns single or multiple values. If vapor fraction (V), molar
enthalpy (H), or molar fraction liquid 1 (BETA) is requested, a
single value is returned. If liquid 1 (X:1), liquid 2 (X:2) or vapor
Syntax:
TPFlash3(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Temperature, Pressure,
Returns)
Arguments:
Pressure A real number specifying pressure in N/m2.
Valid values are V, H, BETA, X:1, X:2, and Y
representing vapor fraction, molar enthalpy, molar
TVFlash3
given mixture at specified temperature and vapor fraction.
Temperature must be specified in Kelvin. Depending on the return
value requested, this function returns single or multiple values. If
pressure (P), molar enthalpy (H), or molar fraction liquid 1
(BETA) is requested, a single value is returned. If liquid 1 (X:1),
liquid 2 (X:2) or vapor (Y) composition is requested, multiple
values are returned. Use Shift+Ctrl while defining this function to
request X:1, X:2 or Y. Return values are in SI units.
Syntax:
TVFlash3(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Temperature, VaporFraction,
Returns)
Arguments:
Valid values are P, H, BETA, X:1, X:2, and Y
representing pressure, molar enthalpy, molar
THFlash3
given mixture at specified temperature and molar enthalpy.
Temperature must be specified in Kelvin. Molar enthalpy must be
specified in J/kmol. Depending on the return value requested, this
function returns single or multiple values. If pressure (P), vapor
fraction (V), or molar fraction liquid 1 (BETA) is requested, a
single value is returned. If liquid 1 (X:1), liquid 2 (X:2) or vapor
Syntax:
THFlash3(ComponentList, MoleFraction, Temperature, MolarEnthalpy,
Returns)
Arguments:
Molar Enthalpy A real number specifying the molar enthalpy in
J/kmol.
Valid values are P, V, BETA, X:1, X:2, and Y
representing temperature, vapor fraction, molar
This function performs Units Conversion from a given unit to a
UnitsConversion
desired unit, for example, you can use this function to convert
temperature from K to °C.
Syntax:
UnitsConversion (From_Units, To_Units, From_Value)
For example, UnitsConversion("K","C",300)
Arguments:
From_Units Name of Input Units.
To_Units Name of Output Units.
From_Value A real number in input units which need to be
converted.
Returns A converted number in output units.
Units conversion can also be performed using the following steps,

except that the conversion is carried out in the same cell, instead of
from one cell to another.
• Select the cell containing a value to be converted.
• Click the right mouse button and select the Specify Units
option on the menu.
• Select the units type from the Select Units dialog box and
select the units label. Click OK. The selected cell is now
tagged with the specified units label.
• Select the cell again. Click the right mouse button and select
the Convert Units option on the menu.
• Select the units type from the Select Units dialog box and
select the units label. Click OK. The converted number will
now appear in the cell.
Example of Using the Aspen
Properties Excel Calculator
Index
website: 3-4
A AspenTech: 3-4, 3-5
Assays
Accounting report information: 4-4
creating blends: 18-8
Accuracy
creating: 18-3
evaluating of parameters: 17-14
Assays: 18-3, 18-8
Accuracy: 17-14
Atom numbers: 16-7
Active links
Attributes
saving files: 19-18
changing plot: 10-7
Active links: 19-11, 19-18
meta-data: 20-10
ActiveX automation
multi-dimensioned variables: 20-11
using: 20-1
node: 20-9
ActiveX automation: 20-1
value related: 20-10
Activity coefficient models
variable nodes: 20-11
binary parameters: 7-6
Attributes: 10-7, 20-9, 20-10, 20-11
Activity coefficient models: 7-6
AttributeType: 20-9
ADA/PCS
AttributeValue: 20-9
about: 18-2
Automation
ADA/PCS: 18-2
about: 20-2
Adding
accessing column temperature profiles:
components to lists: 5-14
20-16
text: 10-6
clients: 20-21
Adding: 5-14, 10-6
controlling calculation: 20-21
Air separation
error handling: 20-2
template: 2-12
example: 20-19
Air separation: 2-12
non scalar data: 20-14
Analysis
tree structure: 20-7
light ends: 18-5
using: 20-2
Analysis: 18-5
Automation server
Annotations
setting up: 20-2
adding to plots: 10-6
using: 20-1, 20-2
Annotations: 10-6
Automation server: 20-1, 20-2
Aspen Properties
Automation: 20-2, 20-7, 20-14, 20-16, 20-
automation server: 20-1
19, 20-21
document files: 11-5
Axis mapping: 10-9
Aspen Properties: 11-5, 20-1
AspenTech
B
homepage: 3-4
improving our help: 3-5 Backup files
Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Index • 1

exporting: 11-4 Client server
importing: 11-3, 11-5 file management: 11-14
Backup files: 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 Client server: 11-14
Binary components Commands
databanks search order: 12-5 controlling calculations: 8-2
Binary components: 12-5 Commands: 8-2
Binary data Comments
generating: 17-8 entering: 1-12
Binary data: 17-8 Comments: 1-12
Binary parameters Compatibility
list of available: 7-5 options 12-9
Binary parameters: 7-5 Completeness
Blends forms: 2-5
creating: 18-8 messages: 9-2, 9-3
specifying: 18-9 status: 2-5
Blends: 18-8, 18-9 Completeness: 2-5, 9-2, 9-3
Browse buttons: 1-7 Completion status
Buttons checking: 9-2
help on: 3-2 displaying: 1-6
Buttons: 3-2 forms: 2-5
Completion status: 1-6, 2-5, 9-2
C Component attributes: 5-21
Components
Calculation engine: 11-14
adding to list: 5-14
Calculation Run toolbar: 8-2
attributes: 5-21
Calculation status
Component Data tab: 12-5
displaying: 1-6
composition: 5-21
Calculation status: 1-6
conventional: 5-9, 5-22
Calculations
databank: 5-4
checking status: 8-3
defining groups: 5-26
commands: 8-2
defining: 5-9, 5-24
completeness: 9-2, 9-3
deleting: 5-15
deleting objects: 1-8
electrolyte: 5-16
molar volume: 4-9
generating required: 5-17
molecular weight: 4-7
groups: 5-26
overriding history messages: 4-5
Henry’s: 5-24
prop-set: 4-7
identifying as solids: 5-20
reinitializing: 8-2
IDs: 5-15
running interactively: 8-1
list: 5-14
running on host: 8-4
nonconventional: 5-23, 6-19
sheet: 4-6
nondatabank: 5-7
viewing history: 9-3
properties: 6-19
viewing progress: 8-1
renaming: 5-15
viewing status: 8-2, 8-3
search order: 12-5
Calculations: 1-8, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-9, 8-1, 8-
specifying: 5-4, 5-7
2, 8-3, 8-4, 9-2, 9-3
supercritical: 5-24, 6-12, 7-3
Chemicals template: 2-13
2 • Index Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Components: 5-4, 5-7, 5-9, 5-14, 5-15, 5-16, definition: 7-1
5-17, 5-20, 5-21, 5-22, 5-23, 5-24, 5-26, deleting from plots: 10-13
6-12, 6-19, 7-3, 12-5 displaying for plots: 10-2
Control Panel lines: 10-7
about: 8-1 pasting: 19-4
messages: 9-2 points: 10-13
status messages: 8-3 Data Browser
viewing: 9-3 opening: 1-3
Control Panel: 8-1, 8-3, 9-2, 9-3 status indicators: 1-6
Controls Data Browser: 1-3, 1-6
commands: 8-2 Data regression
Controls: 8-2 about: 17-1
Conventional components accuracy of model parameters: 17-14
assigning attributes: 5-22 deviations of measurement: 17-9
defining: 5-9 phase equilibrium: 17-4
Conventional components: 5-9, 5-22 problems: 17-16
Conventional solids property methods: 17-2
about: 5-21 results: 17-15, 17-16
Conventional solids: 5-21 setting up: 17-2
Copy with Format command: 19-3 Data regression: 17-1, 17-2, 17-4, 17-9, 17-
Copying 14, 17-15, 17-16
about: 19-1 Data values
Copy with Format: 19-3 obtaining: 20-9
data: 19-2 Data values: 20-9
plots: 19-11 Data: 7-1, 10-2, 10-7, 10-13, 19-2, 19-4
Copying: 19-1, 19-2, 19-3, 19-11 Databanks
Curves about: 5-2
additional reports for blends: 18-9 components: 5-4
gravity: 18-4 molecular weight: 4-7
molecular weight: 18-5 search order: 12-5
viscosity: 18-7 searching: 12-6
Curves: 18-4, 18-5, 18-7, 18-9 viewing list: 5-2
Customizing Databanks: 4-7, 5-2, 5-4, 12-5, 12-6
toolbars: 12-3 Defaults
Customizing: 12-3 changing for plots: 10-14
Cutting and pasting for diagnostic information: 4-5
from applications to Aspen Properties: 19- overriding calculation option: 4-5
8 restoring on sheets: 1-8
into other applications: 19-6 setting: 12-3
within Aspen Properties: 19-5 system options: 4-9
Cutting and pasting: 19-5, 19-6, 19-8 Defaults: 1-8, 4-5, 4-9, 10-14, 12-3
Descriptions
D viewing: 2-17
Descriptions: 2-17
Data
Diagnostics
adding curves to plots: 10-13
messages: 4-5
copying: 19-2

sheet: 4-5 Estimation Compare form: 16-17
Diagnostics: 4-5 Estimation: 12-7, 16-11, 16-12, 16-17, 16-
Dialog boxes 18, 16-19
display help on: 3-2 Examples: 2-16
Dialog boxes: 3-2 Excel
Documentation copying data from: 19-8
available: 3-3 updating links: 19-20
Documentation: 3-3 Excel: 19-8, 19-20
Documents Expert system
Aspen Properties: 11-5 using: 1-9
Documents: 11-5 Expert system: 1-9
Dot notation Exporting
using: 20-8 files: 11-12
Dot notation: 20-8 Exporting: 11-12
Extrapolation threshold
E equations of state: 4-9
Extrapolation threshold: 4-9
Editor
specifying: 11-15
F
Editor: 11-15
ELECNRTL property method: 2-14 Fields
Electrolyte Wizard help on: 3-2
about: 5-16 Fields: 3-2
generated electrolyte reactions: 5-20 Files
Electrolyte Wizard: 5-16, 5-20 active links: 19-18
Electrolytes Aspen Properties: 11-5
generated reactions: 5-20 descriptions: 2-17
rules for modeling: 6-15 exporting: 11-12
systems: 5-16 formats: 11-2
template: 2-14 generating: 11-12
Electrolytes: 2-14, 5-16, 5-20, 6-15 history: 11-6
Equations of state importing: 11-12
binary parameters: 7-5 managing: 11-14
property methods: 6-3 report: 11-7
specifying extrapolation threshold: 4-9 saving: 11-11
Equations of state: 4-9, 6-3, 7-5 summary: 11-8
Errors template: 11-9
automation: 20-2 types: 11-2
messages: 9-2, 9-3 with active links: 19-19
Errors: 9-2, 9-3, 20-2 with links: 19-19
Estimation Files: 2-17, 11-2, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8, 11-
binary parameters: 16-12 9, 11-11, 11-12, 11-14, 19-18, 19-19
comparing with experimental data: 16-17 Flash Convergence sheet: 4-8
parameters: 16-18 Flashes
results: 12-7, 16-18 specifying global options: 4-8
temperature dependent properties: 16-11 Flashes: 4-8
turning off: 16-19 Flowsheets

runs: 2-4 getting help in AspenProperties: 3-1
Flowsheets: 2-4 How To: 3-3
Forms improving: 3-5
displaying: 1-3, 1-5 keeping on top: 3-1
for entering property parameters: 7-8 on top: 3-1
Forms: 1-3, 1-5, 7-8 printing Help topics: 3-3
Free water printing topics: 3-3
calculations: 4-4, 6-13 reference information: 3-3
phase: 6-14 screen elements: 3-2
property method: 6-14 searching for topics: 3-2
Free water: 4-4, 6-13, 6-14 Help button: 3-2
Help: 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-5
G Henry’s components
defining: 5-24
Gas Processing template: 2-11
Henry’s components: 5-24
General method
Henry’s Law
using: 16-6
parameter requirements: 6-12, 7-3
General method: 16-6
Henry’s Law: 6-12, 7-3
General tab: 12-4
History file
General template: 2-7
about: 11-6
Global information
copying: 11-14
about: 4-1
messages: 9-3
entering: 4-2
viewing: 9-3
specifying for flash: 4-8
History file: 9-3, 11-6, 11-14
Global information: 4-1, 4-2, 4-8
Homepage
Global property method: 6-12
Aspentech: 3-4
Global settings
Host computer
changing: 4-3
changing: 8-4
Global settings: 4-3
copying history file: 11-14
Go Back button: 1-7
specifying working directory: 11-14
Go Forward button: 1-7
Host computer: 8-4, 11-14
Gravity curves
How To Help: 3-3
entering: 18-4
Gravity curves: 18-4
I
Grid options
changing: 10-11 Ideal property methods: 6-3
Grid options: 10-11 IHapp object: 20-3, 20-4
Groups Importing
method specific functional: 16-7 files: 11-12
specifying: 5-24 Importing: 11-12
UNIFAC: 5-24 Improving
Groups: 5-24, 16-7 help: 3-5
Improving: 3-5
H Infinite dilution activity coefficient data
using: 16-16
HAP_UNITCOL attribute: 20-13
Infinite dilution activity coefficient data: 16-
Help
16
dialog boxes: 3-2

Information Messages: 4-5
accessing homepage: 3-4 Meta-data attributes: 20-10
file descriptions: 2-17 Method specific functional groups: 16-7
Information: 2-17, 3-4 Modes
Input Workbook: 12-10
specifications: 2-4 Modes: 12-10
Input: 2-4 Molecular structure
Interactive runs: 8-1 defining: 16-6, 16-7
Interoperability Molecular structure: 16-6, 16-7
about: 19-1 Molecular weight curves
Interoperability: 19-1 entering: 18-5
Ionic reactions Molecular weight curves: 18-5
generating: 5-16 Molecular weight: 4-7
Ionic reactions: 5-16 Multi-dimensioned variable node attributes:
20-11
L
N
Link container
definition: 19-18 Next button: 1-6
Link container: 19-18 Node attributes
Link source about: 20-9
definition: 19-18 Node attributes: 20-9
visibility of applications: 19-19 Node objects
Link source: 19-18, 19-19 tree structure: 20-7
Linking Node objects: 20-7
applications: 19-11 Nodes
Linking results: 19-12 offspring: 20-14
Linking: 19-11 Nodes: 20-14
Links Non scalar data
saving files: 19-18 accessing: 20-14
updating in Excel: 19-20 Non scalar data: 20-14
Links: 19-18, 19-20 Nonconventional components
Live data links attributes: 5-23
about: 19-1 physical properties: 6-19
Live data links: 19-1 solids: 5-21
LLE data Nonconventional components: 5-21, 5-23, 6-
generating: 17-8 19
LLE data: 17-8 Nondatabank components: 5-7
M O
Menus Object Browser: 20-3
help on: 3-2 Object Manager: 1-8
Menus: 3-2 Objects
Messages collection: 20-7
diagnostic: 4-5 error handling: 20-2
progress: 4-5 IHapp: 20-3, 20-4
setting levels: 4-5 tree structure: 20-7

viewing properties: 20-3 Plot Text Settings dialog box: 10-7
Objects: 20-2, 20-3, 20-4, 20-7 Plot Wizard
Offspring nodes using: 10-2
obtaining: 20-14 Plot Wizard: 10-2
Offspring nodes: 20-14 Plots
OLE automation adding text: 10-6
about: 19-1 annotating: 10-6
OLE automation: 19-1 attributes: 10-8
Online example library: 2-16 axes: 10-10
Options axis mapping: 10-9
setting default: 12-3 changing defaults: 10-14
specifying general: 12-4 changing grid options: 10-11
Options: 12-3, 12-4 changing properties: 10-7
changing text: 10-10
P copying to other applications: 19-11
curves: 10-13
Paired scrolling: 20-19
deleting data: 10-13
Parameters
displaying data: 10-2
activity coefficient: 7-6
experimental data: 17-10
binary: 7-5
generating: 10-2
definition: 7-1
legends: 10-8
equations of state: 7-5
modifying text: 10-7
forms: 7-8
printing: 10-15
Henry’s Law requirements: 7-3
range of data: 10-14
mass and energy balance: 7-2
regression results: 17-17
requirements: 7-2
scale options: 10-10
ternary: 7-16
selecting variables: 10-5
Parameters Electrolyte Ternary form: 7-16
titles: 10-10
Parameters: 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-5, 7-6, 7-8, 7-16
updating: 10-12
Pasting
zooming: 10-14
about: 19-1
Plots: 10-2, 10-5, 10-6, 10-7, 10-8, 10-9, 10-
Aspen Properties data into applications:
10, 10-11, 10-12, 10-13, 10-14, 10-15,
19-6
17-10, 17-17, 19-11
data: 19-4
Polar nonelectrolyte systems (diagram): 6-
from other applications: 19-8
11
Pasting: 19-1, 19-4, 19-6, 19-8
Polynomials
Petroleum mixtures
adjusting for pressure: 7-25
defining: 18-2
adjusting reference states: 7-24
Petroleum mixtures: 18-2
Polynomials: 7-24, 7-25
Petroleum properties
Printed documentation: 3-3
defining: 18-18
Printing
Petroleum properties: 18-18
Help topics: 3-3
Petroleum template: 2-9
help: 3-3
Pharmaceuticals template: 2-16
plots: 10-15
Pitzer
Printing: 3-3, 10-15
ternary parameters: 7-16
Procedural help: 3-3
Pitzer: 7-16

Progress Pseudocomponents: 2-9, 18-10, 18-11, 18-
messages: 4-5 12, 18-16
viewing calculation: 8-1 Pure components
Progress: 4-5, 8-1 databanks search order: 12-5
Properties Parameters Pure Components Pure components: 12-5
USRDEF-1 form: 5-9
Property Analysis R
about: 15-1
Reaction stoichiometry: 4-7
Property Analysis: 15-1
Reference
Property methods
help on: 3-3
about: 6-2
Reference states
activity coefficient: 6-3
adjusting for tabular data: 7-24
base: 6-17
ionic species: 7-4
choosing (diagram): 6-10, 6-11
Reference states: 7-4, 7-24
choosing: 6-6
Reference: 3-3
data regression: 17-2
Regression
ELECNRTL: 2-14
formulating case: 17-10
equations of state: 6-3
problems: 17-16
free water phase: 6-14
results: 12-7, 17-15
global: 6-12
specifying parameters: 17-12
ideal: 6-3
Regression: 12-7, 17-10, 17-12, 17-15, 17-
lists of all: 6-3
16
modifying: 6-16, 6-17
Reinitializing
overriding global: 6-12
about: 8-2
pseudocomponent: 2-9, 18-16
Reinitializing: 8-2
special systems: 6-5
Reorder Comps button: 5-14
specifying local: 6-12
Reports
Property methods: 2-9, 2-14, 6-2, 6-3, 6-5,
accounting: 4-4
6-6, 6-10, 6-11, 6-12, 6-14, 6-16, 6-17,
exporting: 9-4
17-2, 18-16
files: 11-7
Property parameters
generating: 7-5, 9-3
forms: 7-8
saving: 9-4
requirements: 7-2
specifying options: 4-13
Property parameters: 7-2, 7-8
Reports: 4-4, 4-13, 7-5, 9-3, 9-4, 11-7
Prop-set calculations
Restoring
flash fails: 4-7
defaults on sheets: 1-8
Prop-set calculations: 4-7
Restoring: 1-8
Pseudocompoents
Results
temperature dependent: 18-14
Assay Data Analysis: 18-19
Pseudocompoents: 18-14
completeness: 9-2
Pseudocomponents
copying regression and estimation: 12-7
about: 18-10
data regression: 17-15
generating: 18-11
estimation: 12-7, 16-18
naming options: 18-12
linking: 19-12
property methods: 2-9, 18-16
regression: 12-7
user defined: 18-12
Summary sheet: 8-3

updating plots: 10-12 displaying: 1-3, 1-5
Results: 8-3, 9-2, 10-12, 12-7, 16-18, 17-15, Sheets: 1-3, 1-5
18-19, 19-12 Simuations
Root finder: 4-9 controlling from automation client: 20-21
Routes Simuations: 20-21
sheet: 6-17 Solids
Routes: 6-17 conventional: 5-21
Run accounting information: 4-4 identifying: 5-20
Run descriptions nonconventional: 5-21
specifying: 4-4 Solids: 5-20, 5-21
Run descriptions: 4-4 Special systems property methods: 6-5
Run Settings dialog box: 8-5 Specialty Chemicals template: 2-15
Runs Starting
accounting information: 4-4 new run: 2-3
completeness: 9-2, 9-3 Starting: 2-3
completing input specifications: 2-4 Startup tab: 12-9
creating new: 2-3 Status
descriptions: 4-4 indicators: 1-6
flowsheet: 2-4 messages: 8-2, 8-3
interactive: 8-1 Status: 1-6, 8-2, 8-3
naming: 4-3 Step by step instructions: 3-3
saving: 11-11 Stoichiometry
specifying a run description: 4-4 mass balance checking: 4-7
Runs: 2-3, 2-4, 4-3, 4-4, 8-1, 9-2, 9-3, 11-11 Stoichiometry: 4-7
Summary files: 11-8
S Supercritical components
Henry’s law: 6-12, 7-3
Saving
parameter requirements: 7-3
files: 11-11
Supercritical components: 6-12, 7-3
links: 19-18
Symbols
runs: 11-11
definition: 1-6
Saving: 11-11, 19-18
explaning status: 1-6
Scrolling
Symbols: 1-6
paired: 20-19
System options
Scrolling: 20-19
overriding defaults: 4-9
Setup Calculation Options form
System options: 4-9
about: 4-5
Systems sheet: 4-9
Setup Calculation Options form: 4-5
Setup forms
T
accessing: 4-1
Setup forms: 4-1 Tabular data
Setup ReportOptions form: 4-13 adjusting for pressure: 7-25
Setup Specifications form adjusting reference states: 7-24
entering global information: 4-2 entering: 7-21
Setup Specifications form: 4-2 Tabular data: 7-21, 7-24, 7-25
Setup Units Set sheets: 4-10 Task help: 3-3
Sheets Templates

about: 2-4, 11-9 Unit Table
Air Separation: 2-12 about: 20-12
Chemicals: 2-13 Unit Table: 20-12
choosing: 2-4 units of measure
creating your own: 12-11 changing: 20-13
Electrolytes: 2-14 Units of measure
Gas Processing: 2-11 about: 4-10
General: 2-7 user-defined: 4-10
importing: 11-10 viewing: 4-10
Petroleum: 2-9 units of measure: 20-13
Pharmaceutical: 2-16 Units of measure: 4-10
saving: 11-10 Units sets
Specialty Chemicals: 2-15 defining your own: 4-10
Templates: 2-4, 2-7, 2-9, 2-11, 2-12, 2-13, example of defining: 4-12
2-14, 2-15, 2-16, 11-9, 11-10, 12-11 viewing: 4-10
Ternary parameters: 7-16 Units sets: 4-10, 4-12
Text UnitString property
adding to plots: 10-6 using: 20-12
adding: 10-6 UnitString property: 20-12
changing: 10-7 Upward Compatibility
modifying: 10-7 options 12-9
Text editor User-Defined Component Wizard 5-8
specifying: 11-15 opening 5-8
Text editor: 11-15
Text: 10-6, 10-7 V
Toolbars
Value related attributes: 20-10
available: 12-2
ValueForUnit property: 20-12
Calculation Run: 8-2
ValueType property: 20-9
customizing: 12-2
Variable Explorer
default: 1-3
about: 20-5
description: 1-3
example of using: 20-6
moving: 12-3
using: 20-5, 20-6
Toolbars: 1-3, 8-2, 12-2, 12-3
Variable Explorer: 20-5, 20-6
Tools Options Startup tab: 12-9
Variable nodes attributes: 20-11
Tree structure
Variables
about: 20-5
selecting for plots: 10-5
automation interface: 20-7
Variables: 10-5
dot notation: 20-8
Viewing
Variable Explorer: 20-5
forms and sheets: 1-3
Tree structure: 20-5, 20-7, 20-8
Viewing: 1-3
Viscosity curves
U
entering: 18-7
UNIFAC groups Viscosity curves: 18-7
specifying: 5-24 Visual Basic
UNIFAC groups: 5-24 about: 19-1
Unit Sets form: 4-10 Visual Basic: 19-1

VLE data AspenTech: 3-4
generating: 17-8 Website: 3-4
VLE data: 17-8 What’s This button: 3-2
Workbook mode: 12-10
W Working directory
specifying: 11-14
Warnings
Working directory: 11-14
requesting: 4-8
World Wide Web site: 3-4
Warnings: 4-8
Website


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Part Number: Aspen Properties® 11.

BATCHFRAC and RATEFRAC are trademarks of Koch Engineering Company, Inc.

For More Information........................................................................................................xv

The User Interface 1-1

Creating an Aspen Properties Problem 2-1

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • iii

Using Aspen Properties Help 3-1

Global Information 4-1

iv • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Specifying Components 5-1

Physical Property Methods 6-1

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • v

Physical Property Parameters and Data 7-1

vi • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Making Property Calculations 8-1

Examining Results and Generating Reports 9-1

Working with Plots 10-1

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • vii

Managing Your Files 11-1

Customizing Your Aspen Properties Environment 12-1

viii • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Specifying Electrolyte Chemistry 13-1

Property Sets 14-1

Analyze Properties 15-1

Estimating Property Parameters 16-1

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • ix

Regressing Property Data 17-1

Petroleum Assays and Pseudocomponents 18-1

x • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Working with Other Windows Programs 19-1

Using the Aspen Properties ActiveX Automation Server 20-1

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • xi

Aspen Properties Excel Calculator 21-1

xii • Contents Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide Contents • xiii

For More Information

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide About This Manual • xv

xvi • About This Manual Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

Phone Support Phone Numbers

Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide About This Manual • xvii

E-mail Support Centers E-mail

xviii • About This Manual Aspen Properties 11.1 User Guide

The User Interface

The Aspen Properties Main Window

Tip: You can display a window by selecting it from the Window

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

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

The Data Browser

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

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

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

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

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

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

When you have gone back once, (Go Forward button) is

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

Use the Object Manager buttons to perform the following

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

Using the Expert System When You

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