An Operator Training Simulator to Enable Responses to Chemical Accidents through Mutual Cooperation between the Participants

Abstract

Research in the training simulation sector to improve the realism and immersive experience of operator training simulators (OTSs) entails combining cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Although most of the existing studies has been about troubleshooting training, research into the response to chemical accidents through mutual cooperation between the participants has been insufficient. Therefore, we developed an immersive OTS that can facilitate mutual cooperation. Training processes to educate trainees in general chemical facilities were selected, while changes that can occur in facilities during an accident and the corresponding responses in various scenarios were used as the training content. A communication system that relays information between the worksite and the control room was implemented using a distributed control system (DCS) and AR technology. We installed a pilot plant and developed a DCS, thereby establishing an infrastructure that allows the boardman and field operator to cooperate during accident scenarios. Furthermore, we developed an OTS that allowed trainees to learn prompt and accurate responses to chemical accidents through operation of the actual equipment. The training effect of the OTS was found to be approximately 4.5 times better than traditional training methods. It is, therefore, anticipated that the developed OTS will minimize losses or damage caused by chemical accidents.

Effective application of operator training simulator in experiential education

“…Utilizing the concept of experiential learning on semi‐operational or industrial facilities exposes students to practices common to an industrial setting, which can greatly assist students in transitioning from an academic environment to industrial practice. Learning at OTS can be designed to promote teamwork among students [11]. This forces students to work together, communicate intensively with each other, and defend their approaches to solving the simulated situation.…”

Virtual Reality as a Training and Risk Management Tool in the Supply Chain: A Systematic Review

“…Lee y Ma [15] Se encontró que el efecto de entrenamiento del OTS fue aproximadamente 4.5 veces mejor que los métodos de entrenamiento tradicionales.…”

“…Uno de los ámbitos beneficiados por estos avances es la gestión de los recursos humanos y todos los conceptos inherentes a esta disciplina. Resulta innegable que los métodos de capacitación actuales para los empleados en diversas industrias se centran en la impartición de teoría de manera monótona y prolongada, lo cual resulta en una escasez de interacción que conlleva a una disminución del interés por parte de los empleados [15]. Por tanto, el surgimiento de tecnologías innovadoras, como la realidad virtual (RV), tiene un notable impacto al proporcionar beneficios enfocados en el conocimiento, el aprendizaje, la seguridad y la confianza.…”

“…Acerca del desarrollo de un simulador de entrenamiento de operadores, luego de la construcción del software y el entrenamiento correspondiente de los operarios mediante el entorno de RV, efectuaron una comparación con la capacitación tradicional tipo conferencia, donde obtuvo como resultado que el de la capacitación es aproximadamente 4,5 veces mejor e incluso, el costo pudo reducirse aproximadamente 8 veces [15].…”