UTC - UNIVERSAL TRAINING COMPLEX

In 2005 - 2007 INIUS specialists created a training, modeling and development system specifically for production industries with high exposure to chemical and physical hazards. This system was named UTC (universal training complex). Nowadays UTC based training complexes are successfully used by numerous industries all over Russia.

INIUS constantly improves and develops UTC adding new features and tools, increasing the efficiency of the existing training complexes and facilitating the creation of new training complexes, meeting our customers’ needs.

UTC makes it possible to create full-scale training systems and computer based simulations for any number of workshops and production units. These training systems occupy little space and significantly improve the training routine as well as reduce costs for large plants and industries. Simulators created with UTC tools fully represent operating workstations either based on modern DCS (distributed control systems that include human-machine interface, functional keyboards, etc.) or analog switchboards (with the use of separate devices).

Operators receive training at the operator’s workstations, acquire and practice the skills required. They work with simulated process control systems coping with theoretical and practical (technological) training scenarios implemented by an evaluation system that makes it possible not only to train but also to assess the operator’s competences.

Theoretical training scenarios include text based information with multimedia elements such as animation, video, sound and various control tasks to test the knowledge acquired. One of the most important types of control tasks is a test that requires a certain sequence of actions.

Technological training scenarios allow operators to learn the course of action in a given situation. The operator’s workstation accurately represents the actual control system interface with a mathematical simulation model providing technological parameter values and data in accordance with the selected technological situation. The control system interface imitation utilizes SCADA KIRAS or integrates existing DCS interface with UTC modeling system.

Simulators use dynamic mathematical models of a technological process based on the equations of energy transfer, material balance and chemical kinetics. There may be various scenarios of a production process as a result of unforeseen conditions or emergency situations. Operators have to sum up the situation according to the readings and other information available to them and make the right decisions.

The operator’s workplace functions are also extended with an additional interface or a separate workstation that allows the learner to practice actions that are performed outside DCS such as making calls, reporting to other workers or doing some manual work. This interface can be implemented as a close to reality 3D environment representing the actual production facility or a schematic navigator showing the facility’s layout. Training simulations could be carried out simultaneously for several operators who work independently or in a group as part of a shift.

During training session the instructor sees the operators’ actions, changes the technological process operation and simulates various malfunctions using the instructor's station. In the course of training the instructor’s and operator’s actions are recorded for later analysis. As operators go through the training scenarios their answers, actions and the sequence of actions are all included into evaluation reports, while the wrong choices are evaluated depending on the consequences they lead to. On completing every single scenario UTC provides a detailed protocol with the resulting mark.

UTC provides various settings for existing scenarios. It can also be equipped with editors and tools to allow changes to the existing scenarios and creation of new custom-made ones.