Using a Custom OLI Databank in Aspen HYSYS®

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help users integrate and utilize a custom OLI databank within Aspen HYSYS. For this example, we used Aspen HYSYS version 14. By following these instructions, you’ll ensure that your custom databank is correctly installed and operational, allowing for accurate simulations with the OLI framework.

Custom Database Files

If you have a custom databank from OLI, it typically includes 39 files per databank. In the case of two databanks, as shown in the example (AMINEHCL and TSS), there should be a total of 78 files.

Setting Up the Private Database

If you have received a custom databank from OLI, it will be a .ddb file. 

1. Save the .ddb file on your machine
   
   • This example uses two .ddb files named AMINEHCL.ddb and TSS.dbb saved in the directory C:\HYSYS
     

2. Specify the Path in HYSYS:

   • Configure Aspen HYSYS 14 to point to this folder.
   • This ensures that the databases in your custom databank will be recognized and used during simulations.

Using the Databank in Aspen HYSYS®

1. Add the OLI Electrolyte Fluid Package:

   • Navigate to the Properties section in your simulation.
   • Click on Fluid Packages > Add and select the OLI_Electrolyte Fluid Package.
     
     
     

2. Set the Component Framework:

   • Click View to open the Component List.
     
   • Select the desired framework (e.g., OLI Aqueous or OLI MSE) from the "Select" dropdown. For this example, we used the OLI (MSE).
     

3. Point to the Custom Databank:

   • Click on Additional Database.
     
   • Input the file path for the databank (this example uses "C:\HYSYS") in the Path of Private Database section.
     
     
     

4. Verify Configuration:

   • Ensure the checkmark next to the private database name is enabled.
   • Double-check that the file path is correct for both databases (e.g., AMINEHCL and TSS).

Running Simulations with the Custom Databank

With the databank properly configured:

1. Build your simulation in HYSYS using the defined properties and databank configuration.
2. If sharing the simulation file, uncheck the private databank option before transferring the file. After saving the databank at the specified location, re-enable the private databank option.

Troubleshooting "At least one of the components to be added is incompatible..."

If the user component does not have a Component ID Number, then you may encounter the error message "At least one of the components to be added is incompatible..." from Aspen HYSYS.

The component requires a Component ID Number in OLI Databook in order for it to be able to be added to the HYSYS component list. This number, for a user database, should be between 8001 and 8999. Aspen HYSYS uses this to index the database for future use. Each component must have a unique ID, so you cannot reuse them if you have another database. OLI promises never to use this range of numbers in our future databases.

Conclusion

By correctly installing and configuring a custom OLI databank in Aspen HYSYS, you can enhance your simulation capabilities with accurate property predictions and phase behavior models. These steps ensure seamless integration and consistent results. For additional support or clarification, contact OLI technical support.

Trademark Notice:

Aspen HYSYS® is a trademark of Aspen Technologies, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.