Q: What is the UniSim Operations Suite?A: The UniSim Operations Suite is a dynamic simulator specifically designed for training operators and maintenance personnel in the process industries. Besides meeting training requirements, the simulation is also ideally suited for other uses, such as validation of plant design, verification of control configuration, and testing of “what if” scenarios by engineers and operators. The simulator is customized to exactly replicate the actual plant and operate effectively in real-time for single or multiple units of considerable size and complexity. Based on Windows XP, the software is unmatched in plant replication accuracy.
Q: What does the UniSim simulator consist of?A: The UniSim solution consists of hardware, software and a process simulation model, as well as controls and logic on the Microsoft Windows XP operating systems. UniSim is a unified simulation platform driven by Shadow Plant/gPROMS, Dynamics or OTISS modeling engines.
Q: What is the UniSim simulator?A: The simulator is a collection of proprietary programs used to build and run a simulation model that represents the dynamic operation of a process, its controls and logic. The software and model reside in a simulation Personal Computer (PC) that communicates through an interface device to a Distributed Control System (DCS) operator console, computer terminal or other PC, depending on the intended use.
Q: How is UniSim used for a Greenfield start-up project?A: The primary objective during start-up of a new process or plant is to ensure a smooth, safe, fast, and trouble free start-up. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to select the best process design during the design phase, and reduce design errors before implementation. UniSim can be used to model different process designs for evaluation purposes, and to perform “what if” scenarios. The model of the selected design can then be fully tested before implementation and utilized to develop new operating procedures.
Q: How is UniSim used for a re-instrumentation project?A: The primary objective during re-instrumentation of a plant is to ensure a smooth changeover to the new DCS. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to select the best control strategy, and reduce DCS implementation errors. UniSim can be used with a simulation model that connects directly to the actual plant control devices and the DCS operator console. The system can then be employed during staging to test the control strategy, DCS configuration, and advanced control strategy before being used on the plant.
Q: What are the objectives of an operator-training program?A: The objectives of an operator-training program vary according to the lifecycle of a plant. During Greenfield start-up or re-instrumentation, the objectives are to thoroughly and quickly train new operators so they are fully qualified before start-up. During the operations phase, the objectives are focused on training operators to fully utilize Advanced Process Control (APC), maintaining operator skills, training maintenance staff, meeting government and industry regulations, and reducing training costs.
Q: Can UniSim be used as a generic operator training, design testing and DCS checkout?A: A custom simulation model of process, control and logic systems can be delivered to the user’s site, including client-specified process upsets, process disturbances, user functions and training exercises. The simulation model can be used during start-up of a process or plant, during normal operations, and when new technology is being sold.