Conceptual Design of an Operator Training Simulator for a Bio-Ethanol Plant

Conceptual design methodology for the configuration and procedural training with an operating training simulator (OTS) in a large-scale plant for commercial bio-ethanol production is described. The aim of the study is to show how the methodology provides a powerful way for finding the best configuration and training structure of the OTS before constructing and implementing the software of the OTS. The OTS principle, i.e., to use a computer-based virtual representation of the real process plant intended for efficient training of process operators, has long since been applied in aviation and process industries for more efficient and flawless operations. By using the conceptual design methodology (sometimes referred to as bio-mechatronics) a variety of OTS configurations with this capacity was generated. The systematic approach of for targeting the users’ (i.e., the plant management and process operators) needs resulted in better understanding and efficiency in training of hands-on skills in operating the plant. The training included general standard operating procedures for running the plant under normal operation conditions with different starch materials, handling of typical frequent disturbances as well as acting in situations not described in the standard operation procedures and applying trouble-shooting.