Classification

Function

Purpose

Model selection

Model

To select the simulation model for the training session. List of models supplied will be listed and instructor can select any model for the training session.

Mode of operation

Mode selection

To select the model initial condition (Design, Cold condition). If the Design IC is loaded, the simulation database will be populated with base case data. If COLD IC is selected, the simulation database will be populated with shutdown condition data.

Run / Hold

Enable to run or freeze the simulation model. This feature will intermediate discussions and analysis.

Snapshot

To save / restore database variables on to disk file (permanent). Instructor can at any time save the simulation condition as snapshot and restore this condition at any time in the future. Any number of such snapshots can be taken by the instructor.

Backtrack

To Autosave database variables and go back in time (during the training session). This feature is very useful in reducing training duration as well as redo certain operation for better understanding.

Replay

To view the past process status for demo & analysis purpose.

Simulation speed

Increase / decrease the simulation speed (model cycle time) 0.1, 02, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 x Real-time

Malfunction

Failures

To invoke various predefined failures (with delay) – equipment failures, utility failures, etc.

Disturbances

To introduce external disturbances on the simulated model (with delay and ramp time). Fouling, boundary conditions, etc.

Instrument failures

To introduce malfunctioning of sensors / transmitters and final control  valves  (fixed value or bias).

Field Operations

Field block valves/switches

To change status of field block valves (Open/Close) and  switches (On/Off)

Field glove valves

To change the opening of field globe valves (0-100%)

Automatic Training

Evaluation

To create and run pre created scenarios. This feature can be used for instructorless training.

Performance Monitor

To monitor required parameters & produce statistical report for performance.
Both the Excursion and Target evaluation methods are used for performance evaluation.

Reporting

Summary

To list tags along with current & design values

Data logging    

To log required tags at specified interval.

Alarm logging

To log all alarms

Event logging   

To log all operator and instructor actions

Summary report

To summarize the simulated plant conditions and produce MIS report.

Message

To send text messages to the operator

Instructor comments

Instruct can enter any of his comments during the training session and this will be stored in the session log file

Session log

All events of a training session is logged in a file which will be time stamped and permanently available for later analysis

Trending

Real time & Historical trending of tags

Scoring

This feature can be used to evaluate operator performance quantitatively.  The instructor can associate set of tags and target values and weights for every malfunction / disturbance and required time for the solution The system determines the score based on the weighed deviation at the end of the defined time.

Tools

Model view

For model development / tuning  This is the window for process engineer for modifying / developing models.

Calculator

Online calculator

Notepad

For instructor to edit/create text files

Password

To change Instructor password

Lock

To lock the instructor station

Online Help

Instructor

Instructor station user guide

Operator

Operator station user guide

Model

Process models user guide

Configuration

This feature is for viewing / modifying the existing network configuration

Training information

To maintain Instructor / Trainee database and select the Instructor / Trainees for a training session

Online Quiz

Online quiz for trainees. Instructor can set topics, questions/answers and the system pickup random questions and conduct the online test with a time limit.