Computerized Procedure System for Operator Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex process facilities like nuclear power plants face challenges in operator workload due to the need to manage and monitor large amounts of data, with existing computerized systems not fully addressing the need for remote access, language flexibility, and secure, coordinated data presentation across different operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A computerized procedure system with a secure server that communicates with multiple workstations, allowing remote access and language-independent data formatting, featuring a database for procedures, documents, and authorization, along with software modules for sensor monitoring, procedure evaluation, and state management, ensuring secure and coordinated operation across various platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If computerized procedure systems are implemented to reduce operator workload, then operator burden decreases, but system complexity and security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct modules: procedure management module, document management module, authorization module, and client-server architecture. Each module handles specific functions independently, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive computerized procedure support.
Solution Approach 2:
A secure server acts as an intermediary between multiple workstations and the procedure database. The server manages authentication, coordinates data presentation, and maintains security protocols, thereby reducing the burden on operators while handling system complexity centrally.
2Ease of operation
If remote access and language flexibility are provided to improve user accessibility, then ease of operation increases, but system security and coordination requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal access across multiple workstations with different operating systems and languages through a common server interface. The authorization database manages user credentials and permissions centrally, enabling flexible access while maintaining consistent security protocols across all clients.
Solution Approach 2:
Each workstation can be configured with local language preferences and interface settings while connecting to the centralized secure server. This allows users to access the system in their native languages with appropriate localizations while the server maintains centralized security and coordination.
3Productivity
If real-time sensor monitoring and automatic procedure initiation are implemented, then productivity increases, but measurement precision and data reliability requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures procedure initiation criteria and sensor monitoring parameters before real-time operation. Procedures are automatically initiated when sensor data meets predetermined conditions, enabling rapid response while ensuring that measurement thresholds are carefully defined and validated in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and provides feedback to the procedure management module. This feedback mechanism allows real-time procedure execution based on current plant conditions while maintaining the ability to verify data reliability and adjust monitoring parameters as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An online data driven computerized procedures system that guides an operator through a complex process facility's operating procedures. The system monitors plant data, processes the data and then, based upon this processing, presents the status of the current procedure step and/or substep to the operator. The system supports multiple users and a single procedure definition supports several interface formats that can be tailored to the individual user. Layered security controls access privileges and revisions are version controlled. The procedures run on a server that is platform independent of the user workstations that the server interfaces with and the user interface supports diverse procedural views.