Create a Variable Reference

You can use the any of the following AVEVA Process Simulation components to create a Variable Reference:

• The Tools Library

• The Mini Inspector

• The Properties Inspector

• The Simulation Manager

Create a Variable Reference from the Tools Library

1. Drag a Variable Reference from the Tools Library onto the Canvas.

   A blank Variable Reference appears on the Canvas.

2. In the Variable Reference box, enter the name of the parameter or variable that you want the Variable Reference to refer to.

   If the entered name is valid, the value for the Variable Reference updates to the value of the corresponding parameter or variable.

   A list of simulation parameters and variables appears as you enter the name to help you quickly locate and select the desired parameter or variable.

3. Change the appearance of the Variable Reference as you desire.

   See Manage the Variable Reference appearance for more information.

Create a Variable Reference from the Mini Inspector

4. On the Canvas, hover over or double-click the model instance that contains the desired parameter or variable.

   The Mini Inspector for the model instance appears.

5. Drag the desired parameter or variable onto the Canvas.

   A new Variable Reference that refers to the dragged parameter or variable appears on the Canvas.

   By default, the following Variable Reference properties are visible:

   • Specification status (for variables only)

   • Name

   • Value

   • Unit of measure (UOM)

6. Change the appearance of the Variable Reference as you desire.

   See Manage the Variable Reference appearance for more information.

Create a Variable Reference from the Properties Inspector

7. On the Canvas, right-click the model instance that contains the desired parameter or variable, and then select Full Properties.

   The Properties Inspector for the model instance appears.

8. Drag the desired parameter or variable onto the Canvas.

   A new Variable Reference that refers to the dragged parameter or variable appears on the Canvas.

   By default, the following Variable Reference properties are visible:

   • Specification status (for variables only)

   • Name

   • Value

   • Unit of measure (UOM)

9. Change the appearance of the Variable Reference as you desire.

   See Manage the Variable Reference appearance for more information.

Create a Variable Reference from the Simulation Manager

10. In the Simulation Manager, browse to the desired parameter or variable.

11. Drag the desired parameter or variable onto the Canvas.

    A new Variable Reference that refers to the dragged parameter or variable appears on the Canvas.

    By default, the following Variable Reference properties are visible:

    • Specification status (for variables only)

    • Name

    • Value

    • Unit of measure (UOM)

12. Change the appearance of the Variable Reference as you desire.

    See Manage the Variable Reference appearance for more information.

Simultaneously create a flowsheet parameter and corresponding Variable Reference

13. Drag a Parameter from the Tools Library onto the Canvas.

    A new flowsheet parameter appears in the Simulation Manager, a Variable Reference for the flowsheet parameter appears on the Canvas, and the properties dialog for the flowsheet parameter opens.

14. In the properties dialog for the flowsheet parameter, in the Name box, enter the name that you want to use for the new flowsheet parameter.

    The Variable Reference name updates to match the flowsheet parameter name.

15. Select the Type list, and then select the desired parameter type.

    The Variable Reference value and UOM update to match the default value and UOM for the selected parameter type.

16. Close the properties dialog for the flowsheet parameter, and then change the appearance of the Variable Reference as you desire.

    See Manage the Variable Reference appearance for more information.

Simultaneously create a flowsheet variable and corresponding Variable Reference

17. Drag a Variable from the Tools Library onto the Canvas.

    A new flowsheet variable appears in the Simulation Manager, a Variable Reference for the flowsheet variable appears on the Canvas, and the properties dialog for the flowsheet variable opens.

18. In the properties dialog for the flowsheet variable, in the Name box, enter the name that you want to use for the new flowsheet variable.

    The Variable Reference name updates to match the flowsheet variable name.

19. Select the Type list, and then select the desired variable type.

    The Variable Reference value and UOM update to match the default value and UOM for the selected variable type.

20. Close the properties dialog for the flowsheet variable, and then change the appearance of the Variable Reference as you desire.

    See Manage the Variable Reference appearance for more information.