Re: Operator Skill Atrophy - Training Simulators

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Control Consulting ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Tod Peterson on January 08, 2001 at 06:32:15:

In Reply to: Operator Skill Atrophy posted by Jim Gunderman on December 13, 2000 at 14:06:25:

: I've been working with MVC for several years. However, I've never come up with a good solution to keeping Operator skills from atrophying when Multivariable control is ON.

: I've heard some folks turn OFF multivarible controllers periodically to allow the operator to keep current on operating the process with the advanced controls off. Others never turn the Advanced Controls off because they lose too much money when they do.

: Does anyone have any perspectives on this dilemma?

: Thanks

Operator Skill Atrophy is "real" for most operators. It is basic
human nature to stop thinking about something once someone or
something else is doing your old job. BUT, occasionally I do
find exceptions. There are some (exceptional) operators who want
to know what the controller is doing and go as far as learning how
to read the controller models and predict how it will behave. Some
of these operators even use the controller to "enhance" their own
skills.

But you're right, most operators stop thinking about it once the
APC is on.

The gold-plated solution is a training simulator. If it is "real"
enough, you might be able to simulate at least some abnormal situations,
start-up, shut-downs, etc. I think you have to be realistic in what
to expect from a simulator. Many operating companies with a realistic
attitude have found some benefit using simulators to train their
operators to respond to some situations.

Here in Asia, where many large greenfield complexes have caused an
acute shortage in skilled operator manpower, training simulators
were pretty much the rage for awhile. Many companies I know were happy
with a basic level of training that the simulators provided. However,
there are also a few examples when over-exuberant salesman promisted
more than is technically feasible, such as getting quality controller
models for a plant still under contruction, using training simulator
responses. Such expectations always led to disappointment.

I would be interested to hear anyone's experience using training
simulators to maintain skill levels.

Tod

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name    :

E-Mail  :

Subject :

Comments:

: : I've been working with MVC for several years. However, I've never come up with a good solution to keeping Operator skills from atrophying when Multivariable control is ON.
: : I've heard some folks turn OFF multivarible controllers periodically to allow the operator to keep current on operating the process with the advanced controls off. Others never turn the Advanced Controls off because they lose too much money when they do.
: : Does anyone have any perspectives on this dilemma?
: : Thanks
: Operator Skill Atrophy is "real" for most operators. It is basic
: human nature to stop thinking about something once someone or
: something else is doing your old job. BUT, occasionally I do
: find exceptions. There are some (exceptional) operators who want
: to know what the controller is doing and go as far as learning how
: to read the controller models and predict how it will behave. Some
: of these operators even use the controller to "enhance" their own
: skills.
: But you're right, most operators stop thinking about it once the
: APC is on.
: The gold-plated solution is a training simulator. If it is "real"
: enough, you might be able to simulate at least some abnormal situations,
: start-up, shut-downs, etc. I think you have to be realistic in what
: to expect from a simulator. Many operating companies with a realistic
: attitude have found some benefit using simulators to train their
: operators to respond to some situations.
: Here in Asia, where many large greenfield complexes have caused an
: acute shortage in skilled operator manpower, training simulators
: were pretty much the rage for awhile. Many companies I know were happy
: with a basic level of training that the simulators provided. However,
: there are also a few examples when over-exuberant salesman promisted
: more than is technically feasible, such as getting quality controller
: models for a plant still under contruction, using training simulator
: responses. Such expectations always led to disappointment.
: I would be interested to hear anyone's experience using training
: simulators to maintain skill levels.
: Tod

Optional Link URL:

Link Title:

Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Control Consulting ] [ FAQ ]