Operator training simulator for an industrial bio-ethanol plant

• The development of a software-based operator training simulators (OTS) for an industrial bioethanol plant is described. OTS are used in the process industry for training of process operators since several years but few examples are reported for their use in biochemical and biotechnological industry. This study describes the implementation of an OTS at a large-scale bio-plant producing ethanol. The study includes the implementation of models and graphical user interfaces of the OTS as well as the experience of the operator training with it. The OTS encompasses the whole process, i.e. the sections for hydrolysis, fermentation, separation and distillation. The implementation was carried out on the commercial process control software WinErs. The graphical user interfaces, including all essential distributed control systems of the plant, show high fidelity with the real system. Dynamic process models were able to efficiently train operators in running and controlling the process under standard, start-up, shut-down and critical conditions. The models show a sufficient accuracy and robustness at different simulation speeds. Experiences of applying the OTS in the industrial operator environment of the large-scale plant implies that the OTS can be a useful tool for making operator training more time- and cost-efficient in the biochemical and biotechnological industry.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Industriell bioteknik -- Bioprocessteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Industrial Biotechnology -- Bioprocess Technology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Training simulator; Recombinant protein production; Cultivation; Modellin

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)