McCabe Thiele Extension v1.
5a, User Guide
James Martin, AspenTech Global Customer Support & Training
26th June 2003
1 Introduction
The McCabe Thiele extension generates a McCabe Thiele plot for a specified column,
between specified stages, and for specified light and heavy key components.
This version of the extension has been fully tested with HYSYS versions 2.2 to 3.1. There is
a limitation on its use in version 2.2 (See Section 6 below).
1.1 Changes for Version 1.5
Fixes bug that causes a HYSYS crash on deleting the extension and saving (fix works in
HYSYS 2.3+ only).
Replaced the form to select column and stages, with a series of list boxes.
Adds ability to print a Datasheet for the operation. (This is what mto.rdf does)
Various minor bug fixes.
1.2 Changes for Version 1.5a
Interface changes to include AspenTech contact details.
2 Important Note
This Automation application has been created by AspenTech as an example of what can be
achieved through the object architecture of HYSYS. This application is provided for
academic purposes only and as such is not subject to the quality and support procedures of
officially released AspenTech products.
Users are strongly encouraged to check performance and results carefully and, by
downloading and using, agree to assume all risk related to the use of this example.
We invite any feedback through the normal support channel at eSupport@aspentech.com
3 Installation
Unzip the mto.edf, mto.dll and mto.rdf files to a convenient directory on your hard disk. This
extension has been created with MS VB6 and requires the VB6 runtime dll, msvbvm60.dll to
be in the windows \system32 directory.
Before the extension appears in HYSYS, it must be registered. The simplest way to do this is
to go to Tools … Preferences, then choose the Extensions tab. Click the Register an
Extension button, then navigate to the location of the mto.dll.
The McCabe Thiele v1.5a extension should then appear under the Extensions category of the
Add Operation window. (Accessible via Flowsheet … Add Operation, or by pressing F12.)
3.1 What if version 1.0 is already installed?
If version 1.0 is already installed, the new version must still be registered as above. Any cases
containing the old extension will not be automatically updated, the new extension must be
manually added.
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3.2 What if version 1.5 is already installed?
There are no code changes between 1.5 and 1.5a. Registering 1.5a will mean any cases saved
with a version 1.5 extension will automatically use 1.5a.
4 Usage
Add the unit operation by choosing Flowsheet, Add Operation (or F12). Then choose
McCabe Thiele plot generator from the Extensions category. First choose a column and then
the start and end stages for the plot.
Choose as many light and heavy key components as required, the plot will automatically
update when values are changed on the interface. However if the column changes on the
flowsheet the plot does NOT recalculate. Force a recalculate by pressing the Run button.
In order to print a Datasheet, containing the results for the extension, right click on the PFD
icon, or the title bar of the extension window and choose Print Datasheet ... (This function
requires that the mto.rdf file is in the same directory as the mto.edf and mto.dll files)
5 What are the Equilibrium and Operating lines?
The Equilibrium line represents the composition of vapour in equilbrium with liquid (ie
vapour and liquid leaving the stage (Efficiencies are assumed to be 100%). The Operating
line represents the composition of passing streams.
Consider the following situation: x and y represent liquid and vapour composition of the light
key component(s), in a top down numbered column. The reported x and y data on the Data
tab are hence used to calculate the McCabe Thiele plot.
EL
yn x n ,yn
Stage n x n-1 ,y n
xn OL
y n+1
Stage n+1 x n ,yn+1
Column Diagram McCabe Thiele plot
6 What are the mole fraction values reported?
The reported mole fraction values are the normalised mole fraction of the light key
component(s). These are calculated as follows:
Sum of actual mole frac of LKCs
Normalised mole frac of LKCs
Sum of actual mole frac of LKCs Sum of actual mole frac of HKCs
Where LKC represents Light Key Component, and HKC represents Heavy Key Component.
7 Limitations on use in HYSYS Version 2.2
There is a known problem when the McCabe Thiele extension is used in HYSYS version 2.2
(build 3797). A HYSYS crash occurs whenever a save is performed on a case that has had a
McCabe Thiele extension, which has been deleted. This is due to an internal problem in
HYSYS which has been fixed in version 2.3.
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To avoid this the extension should not be deleted. It can be hidden by right clicking on it’s
icon on the PFD and choosing Hide.
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