With the increasing complexity of control systems and the continual focus on production efficiency, operator familiarity and knowledge of processes and process equipment has become an essential part of plant management.
Training is vital but as it is often impractical to train staff within a fully operational plant, a high-fidelity process model connected to an off-line control system is the ideal solution.
Beca AMEC has significant experience in building such models and providing the essential training. Models that simulate plant processes allow operators to be trained for a wide variety of unusual or abnormal operating conditions, which help to strengthen their skills. The models also serve as refresher training facilities for normal plant operations.
Typical models cover plant start-up, shutdown and normal operation, as well as a broad range of adverse situations that require fast response and accurate control solutions.
Ultimately, the models help to minimise process variations, thereby enhancing product quality and consistency. Process models and training can benefit a process by facilitating faster start-up and commissioning of new plant. Detecting logic and interlock errors at the simulator stage means that operators can commission the new control system with complete confidence. This helps to accelerate start-up time considerably.
Beca AMEC can tailor training packages to suit the requirements of the client and the individual project. Our methods offer the benefits of improving the overall efficiency of plant operations and providing support to plant operators.