Our system for plant simulation and advisory for panel operators in real time uses the latest graphic drive technology which is capable of very fast simulations. This real time advisor has revolutionised console operators decision making process by carrying out fast future predictions based on current unit conditions and planned target changes. Using the on-line advisor allows operators to get instant understanding of what effect a change will have on future operation and if any new alarms will be triggered in lets say 2 hours time!

Having console operators understanding how a unit responds dynamically makes them able to deal with abnormal process conditions with less stress and as a result plant shutdowns could be avoided.

CTCsim and OA are developed by our technology partner Cutler Technology. These technologies together with our expertise in process operation will give a very realistic simulator that is much closer to the real plant than many of the traditional first principle OTS systems.

OA, real time Operator Advisory

The real time Operator Advisory (OA) system keeps the operators skills up to date with all aspects of modern computer based process operation. The all valve model used in OA can be extracted from your existing MPC system. OA use the same model as ADMC making the combination very cost efficient. The OA system are capable of running up to 100 times faster than real time allowing the operators to get almost instant advise and alarm predictions on planned target changes. OA is a real time tool and should be located close to the operator panel for fast advisory of the current operation. Operators can also save current operation conditions including a history file that later can be reviewed and simulated by operation engineers.

Price and economic justification
Price for this system is typically 5 times lower than a traditional operator training simulators (OTS) and for that price you get an installation with an accurate replica of your operator DCS displays and regulatory loop configuration including trip functions.

The major economics justification for training simulators is based upon increased productivity as a result of minimizing the upset time or down time of the process.  An inexperienced operator can turn a minor upset into a shutdown if he/she is not familiar with how the process performs when a controller mode is changed or how sensitive is the process to various set point and valve output changes.

Issues with traditional OTS
Many of the traditional first principle model simulators have fallen into disuse, since it takes an expert to get inside the model and modify it for changes that occur in the unit.  These people are expensive and usually come from the outside. The FIR model we use has an advantage due to its simplicity and configured by people that understand the process. Also since the multivariable controller is known to be very profitable; the model is maintained to keep it on line.  The FIR model in the controller and the simulator are the same, which makes the maintenance cost of the simulator low.