The model palette, more commonly known as the Object Palette in Aspen Hysys, is typically displayed by default on the left-hand side of the simulation environment when you enter the Simulation Basis Manager. This essential tool allows you to easily select and add various unit operation models and icons to your flowsheet.
Accessing the Object Palette in Aspen Hysys
In Aspen Hysys, the Object Palette serves as your primary interface for building and modifying process flowsheets. It contains a comprehensive collection of unit operations, streams, and logical operations. This palette is crucial for constructing your simulation, as you use the model palette to select unit operation models and icons that you want placed on the flowsheet.
Methods to Display or Restore the Object Palette
While the Object Palette is usually visible by default, it might occasionally be closed or hidden. Here are the common methods to open or restore it:
- Default Visibility:
- Upon entering the Simulation Basis Manager or starting a new simulation, the Object Palette often appears automatically docked on the left side of the Hysys window.
- Using the View Menu:
- Navigate to the top menu bar.
- Click on View.
- Look for an option such as "Object Palette", "Palettes", or "Flowsheet Palette" and select it. This action will usually toggle its visibility.
- Via the Flowsheet Menu (for adding operations):
- Alternatively, you can add unit operations by going to Flowsheet in the menu bar, then selecting Add Operation. This opens a dialog box that lists all available unit operations, serving a similar purpose to the palette, although it doesn't open the docked palette itself.
- Keyboard Shortcut (if available):
- Some versions or custom setups might have a hotkey assigned, though this is less common for the main palette display. It's always worth checking the View menu for any listed shortcuts next to the palette option.
Quick Reference Table: Opening the Object Palette
| Method | Steps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Default | Enter the Simulation Basis environment. | Most common scenario, usually visible. |
| View Menu | Click View in the top menu, then select Object Palette (or similar). |
Reliable method if the palette is hidden. |
| Flowsheet Menu | Click Flowsheet in the top menu, then select Add Operation. |
Opens a dialog to add units, not the docked palette itself. |
| Drag & Drop (if open) | If the palette is visible, simply drag the desired unit operation icon onto the flowsheet window. | For adding units once the palette is displayed. |
Understanding the Aspen Hysys Object Palette
The Object Palette in Aspen Hysys is organized into various categories to make finding specific models easier. You'll typically find sections for:
- Streams: Material and energy streams.
- Heaters/Coolers: Heat exchangers for heating or cooling.
- Pumps/Compressors: Equipment for increasing fluid pressure.
- Valves: Devices for controlling flow.
- Separators: Flash drums, distillation columns, absorbers, etc.
- Reactors: Chemical reactors of various types.
- Logical Operations: Recycles, adjust, balance, etc.
By clicking on a category, you can expand it to see the specific models available. To add a unit operation to your flowsheet, simply click on its icon in the palette and then click again on the desired location within your flowsheet window.
Practical Tips for Using the Palette
- Customization: In some Hysys versions, you can customize which categories or unit operations are visible on your palette to streamline your workflow.
- Docking and Undocking: The Object Palette can often be undocked from its default position and floated as a separate window, or docked to another side of the Hysys interface, offering flexibility for different screen setups.
- Search Functionality: For large palettes or complex models, look for a search bar within the palette window to quickly find specific unit operations by name.
For more detailed information and visual guides on using Aspen Hysys, consult the official Aspen Hysys documentation or reputable tutorials.
