Operator Training Simulators

The Operator Training Simulators market research study delivers current market analysis plus a five year market and technology forecast. The study is available in multiple editions including worldwide, all regions, and most major countries

Operator Training Simulators: The Most Effective Way to Train Operators

Operator training simulators are the standard way for training operators in high consequence processes.  Much like aircraft pilots need to train on simulators, operators of complex high consequence processes with sophisticated control and safety systems can develop skills and gain experience with process startups, major plant upsets, and failure scenarios.  These skills give operators confidence, and they can quickly assess the situation and take the appropriate actions.  The value of confident operators is multifold.  Obviously, keeping the process operating safely and efficiently is a huge benefit, but operators that know managers have invested significantly in their personal training tend to reward the company with loyalty and actions that benefit the business interests of the company as a partner.

Simulation and modeling are how humans learn most of what we know.  There are a range of technologies that are appropriate for training console operators and some different technologies for training field operators.  The Operator Training Simulator Market Report illustrates generic simulators, various fidelity levels of process models, and the very important simulation of process control systems and process safety systems, commonly used by console operators.  The Operator Training Simulator Market Report also discusses various spatial simulation methods available for field operator training.  When simulation is part of an effective accredited training program, a facility can gain maximum advantage.

While learning by doing is often the best method, operators cannot practice core meltdowns, emission releases, fires, loss of instrument air, major equipment failures, and many other scenarios without using training simulators.  Learning how to handle unusual situations without any training can lead to bad outcomes.

The operator training simulator market, including hardware, software, and services.  Simulators include, generic low, medium, high fidelity unit specific process simulators and often virtual control and HMI systems provided by the control and safety systems suppliers.  There are also various categories of spatial simulation with VR, AR, and some training methods that use the actual running plant as a part of the simulation.  

Operator Training Simulators Strategic Issues

In addition to providing a five-year market forecast, the Operator Training Simulator Market Report provides detailed quantitative current market data and addresses key strategic issues as follow.

Process Simulation

The segmentation for process, control, and spatial simulation clarifies the intellectual property of the supplier.  The process simulation suppliers use their expertise in chemistry, physics, and equipment modeling.  This may include vapor-liquid equilibrium models for the specific operating conditions.  Nuclear simulations can include complex fluid flow and full nucleonic models and may include fuel meltdown.  Both unit specific and generic simulations may contain significant intellectual property.

Control and Safety System Simulation

DCS, PLC, and safety system suppliers are typically providing virtual control systems with enhancements to connect to third party process simulators.  This is driven in part by DCS, PLC, and safety system suppliers using virtual control systems to build and test the control system while the actual control system hardware is shipped directly to the site.

Spatial Simulation

The integration of 3D virtual reality and augmented reality technology to the process and control simulations can provide some stunningly realistic simulations with sound, vibration and even smells involved. It is used mostly for training field operators, and it may include integration with console operator training.

Standards and Accreditation of a Simulation-based Training Program

The operator training simulation market has requirements, standards, and capabilities that vary by industry.  The report also addresses the unique requirements and standards for operator training simulation used by the nuclear industry.