Experiential training: simulating chemical process facility operations in a virtual control room

Running a chemical process facility requires a raft of skills and qualities – among them scientific and technical knowledge, good communication skills, and the ability to keep a cool head should the unexpected happen. But training or assessing staff in a live and potentially high-stakes operational environment isn’t always an option.

That’s where the use of virtual control room, like the custom-built facility within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, comes in.

An example of one of the virtual scenarios, 'SIM 4200 Amine System'. It features an absorption column that removes unwanted gas components from a natural gas stream using an amine solution, as well as a regeneration column that enables continuous reuse of the reactants.

“It’s a safe way for staff to experience what it’s like to run processes where there are lot of things to monitor and manage, such as temperatures, valves and changing operating conditions.

“In addition, we recreate the atmosphere of a control room environment, with screens and alarms, and communication using walkie talkies and phones.

“With a range of sophisticated simulation models designed by an industry-leading supplier, we can offer scenarios to suit trainees’ skill level and sector, from simple processes to complex operations, such as heat exchangers, oil pipelines and distillation towers. We design exercises around these processes depending on a company’s needs, for example to test a team’s knowledge of safety procedures or assess their response to an emergency.”

Virtual control room capabilities at a glance

• Risk-free, immersive environment for hands-on practice
• A choice of 16 training simulations, ranging from beginner level to complex scenarios
• Simulations include virtual operation of a gas separator, condenser, binary column, crude column, batch and CSTR reactor, oil pipeline and more
• Alarms, custom desks, plant sound effects, and radio and phone communications mimic the workings and pressures of the control room environment
• Enables training and competency assessment of procedures and emergency scenarios, with video recording and action logs to monitor trainee performance

Interested in virtual control room training for your team?

We work with companies to design a bespoke package and provide on-the-day support.