Operator Training Simulator Explained
An Operator Training Simulator (OTS) is a computer-based training system that uses a dynamic simulation model of an industrial process, usually integrated with an emulator of the process plant's Distributed Control System (DCS).
Elements
An OTS uses a dynamic simulation of the process in order to generate the appropriated data to feed an emulation of the plant's control system. The elements of a typical OTS are the following:
- Dynamic simulation software
- Process model
- Instructor interface
- Control system integration software
- DCS emulator
- Replica of the operator station
Applications
Common applications of OTS systems are the following:
- New control room operator training (e.g., start-up, shutdown, and emergency procedures)
- Existing control room operator refresher training (e.g., start-up, shutdown, and emergency procedures)
- Platform for advanced process control (APC) and optimization
- Validating DCS control and logic checkout
- Validating and improving plant operating procedures
- “What if?” analysis (scenario analysis)
- Engineering tool for developing and testing new control strategies
See also
