Operator Training Simulator

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).¹

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:¹

• Dynamic simulation software¹
• Process model¹
• Instructor interface¹
• Control system integration software¹
• DCS emulator¹
• Replica of the operator station¹

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