We all been there… You are frustrated because something went wrong in your simulation or you can’t find something regarding the software. Something is missing or some input is extra, anyway it won’t work!
How do you get HELP!?
In this post I’m going to cover the places in which I get information from.
AspenTech "Help" Button
This is, I think, the most straight forward approach whenever you have a doubt. Actually, I would recommend you to read this first, then ask. The more informed you are (about how you are not informed) the better questions and answer you will get.
Read the most relevant things, if you are wondering about a unit operation, read all the unit operations in the bundle.
I would say I base 20-25% of my knowledge due to reading this!
AspenTech Support
- If you have a valid license, then you have the RIGHT of getting SUPPORT directly from Aspen Tech Support Center.
Here, you can find:
- Existing Database of common Q&A
- Open a New Case
- Get Training & Customer Service
Facebook Groups
This is another good example of getting an “outside the box” answer to your problems.
There’s nothing better to simply ask to a fellow colleague about a process. He might know the answer and save you a LOT of time!
My favorite places:
LinkedIn Groups
Similar to Facebook Groups, you will be able to find some LinkedIn Groups which are by far more “profesional” as you can look at the expertise of such members.
Common groups I’ve found useful:
- Official LinkedIn Group – Aspen Plus
- Official LinkedIn Group – HYSYS
- Unofficial Aspen Plus & HYSYS Triaining Group – (I manage this page)
- Aspen HYSYS – Midstream Users Group
As stated, the main advantage is that there is a network of professionals and that you can ensure that the one answering you is a real/serious human and engineer.
Reddit Forums
I am a Reddit Fan! You can search me if you want here. I do Love going to several sub-reddits but the one of interest now is /ChemicalEngineering unfortunatel, there is still no /ProcessSimulation subreddit so we gotta wait til that opens! For now, let us check the Chemical Engineering Subreddits
Some examples of good posts:
I’m confident you can find more regarding your specific doubt OR simply: POST YOUR DOUBT!
Online Forums
Before there were social media, we used to have “FORUMS” which were sites open to the public in order to treat several topics of interest.
There are some of them which cover Chemical Engineering and others which go deeper and cover Process Simulation.
Instructors / Mentors
Another obvious one is to ask your instructor directly. If you are currently enrolled in a course or training session, take advantage of the Q&A section or comments.
I usually have both, Q&A section and comment section for those interested in doubt. Also, if you might have any doubt you can send it to my e-mail.
Having a Mentor will also help a lot! Simply ask!
YouTube
I will say that YouTube accounts for about 40% of all my knowledge.
You can find plenty of simulation and exercises here, and get help in the comment section if you need to. Also, not only the OP might answer you but other fellow mates will do 🙂
See an example here.
Fiverr
Aaaaaand yes…. Our profession is getting degraded so far that now you can get help from an process simulation engineer online directly in Fiverr.com. Some crazy examples start by $5 USD for simulation:
So you can get help that way as well!
Wrap-up
I would say that I have learned:
- 20% reading te help guide
- 30% using youtube
- 20% asking
- 20% forums & FB groups
- 10% random serendipity
Where do you get help from? any other source I didn’t accounted for? Please let me know in the comment section below 🙂