Introduction Model Software Benefits

Benefits of Using Liquid & Gas Simulation

Introduction System Design Procedure Development Operator Training

Operator Training

Traditional training techniques tend to rely on what is termed as ‘on the job’ training where an inexperienced operator learns by watching an experienced colleague and undertaking tasks under supervision, combined with courses to provide the theoretical knowledge required. Although generally successful, this method does have some disadvantages, especially when dealing with abnormal situations.

The main disadvantages fall into the following areas:

Manpower
Experienced personnel, especially during the period of a system start up, are a scarce commodity and usually very involved with solving day to day problems. Consequently they have little time to devote to providing the training required by an inexperienced operator resulting in either the training program having to be extended to ensure the new operators are fully trained or the training program being curtailed in specific areas.

Abnormal situations
Training for dealing with this type of situation is very difficult to achieve when having to deal with actual plant. The actual situation cannot be created due to the risks imposed and hence most training in this area tends to be theory based. This results in the problem of being able to ensure that the operators will take the correct action on the occasion of such a situation both with respect to safety and to minimize damage to plant.

Time
For an operator to become conversant/skilled in all aspects of undertaking operations using the traditional training methods substantial periods of time may be required, primarily due to the requirements of the system upon which the training is being conducted.

For example, for an operator to be able to undertake all the operations likely to be encountered at some time on an LNG vessel, either he has to be on board during the period prior to, during, and after a dry dock (4-6 weeks) or he may never experience those operations as they only take place once every 3-5 yrs.

The use of simulation can address all of these problems. Training can be conducted in a controlled atmosphere using instructors skilled in the subject areas. The trainees can conduct operations without risk to the actual system, hence mistakes can be made and then corrected with no impact on the actual system operation. Similarly training for dealing with abnormal situations can be conducted and the performance of the trainee monitored throughout providing useful data as to the trainee’s ability. This can then be used as part of a formal assessment procedure if so required.

All the required training can be conducted in a much shorter time scale than would normally be required due to the ability to set up the simulation for specific scenarios and if necessary repeat the training to ensure the trainee fully understands what is required. It also allowed the training to be undertaken at times convenient to the organization of the personnel and not dictated by the operations being conducted within the plant.