This is a potential project that would help to determine the right information to include in an APC graphic and how can we better train our console operators to use that information.
The research teams from Applied Decision Science and ShadowBox will be building on the results of a previous project “Cognitive Task Analysis for Advanced Process Control” to develop modifications to current best practices for APC Graphics and APC training in an effort to better support Console Operators understanding of APC functions.
APC systems are becoming more complex to improve process safety and lessen environmental impacts. The increased complexity of these systems is making it more challenging for operations to understand what is happening behind the scenes, to detect when they are malfunctioning and to troubleshoot the associated problems that may arise. This project will strive to improve both graphics and training best practices in order to better support console operator understanding of APC functions.
What characteristics of the operator-process system (displays, training, job aids, etc.) are needed to enable the console operator to maintain situation awareness while using APC? Within these
Advance process control is a program that continuously monitors key variables and adjusts numerous other variables to maximize plant or unit performance. Due to its complexity, APC often is considered a “black box” by many operators. Phase I “Cognitive Task Analysis for Advanced Process Control” studied a COP member site APC application. Operators, engineers, and supervisors were interviewed to develop an understanding of key decisions operators must make, and what makes these decisions difficult. An output of the Phase I project was a CTA guide for COP Members.
The results of the project will be combined with the Phase I results to identify what is needed to enable the operator to maintain SA with APC, including
- Training Requirements – Knowledge and skills that are necessary to successfully interpret and interact with the APC, and
- Interface Requirements – Identification of the information needs (e.g., required variables) and recommended presentation of variables in such a way as to make it easier for the operator to maintain SA.
- Updated CTA guide.