Improve process training with dynamic simulation

Trends in the hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) show significant interest in developing and implementing effective operator training. The heightened attention to an activity already performed by all operating companies centers on several driving factors: Improved profitability; Enhanced plant operations; Extended equipment life; Favorable insurance considerations; and Regulatory mandates. However, management must fine a cost-effective training system that fulfills objectives of the plant's total safety management program. Recent improvements in dynamic operator training simulation (OTS) offer an alternative training solution. Compared with on-the-job training programs, OTS uses hardware and software enhancements that transform plant design databases into customized plant models. OTS's focus is the operator practicing on the same visual graphics and display screens under atypical conditions such as startup and shutdown. Because the plant is placed into a classroom via simulation, trainees can explore emergency situations that occurred infrequently or many never occur under normal operating conditions. Now, trainees and operators seeking refresher information can experiment and recreate atypical events and practice their response skills and learn the consequences of his/her actions without risk to the plant. OTS is discussed.