Training simulators enhance process control education

Abstract

Training simulators enhance learning by integrating the theoretical abstraction of textbooks with the tactile nature of the lab. The primary objective of training simulators is education. They motivate, help with visualization, and provide hands-on practice and experience. The paper explores the use of training simulators for process control education. Discussed are the methods used and experiences gained in developing Control Station, a training simulator used in the curriculum of more than 100 colleges and companies worldwide. We note that training simulators are distinguished in this work from tools such as Matlab, which have a primary function of design, analysis and simulation.