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).

Elements
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:
 * Dynamic simulation software
 * Process model
 * Instructor interface
 * Control system integration software
 * DCS emulator
 * Replica of the operator station

Applications
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