Center for Operator Performance

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WHAT IS IT?
An alliance of academic and process companies to research generic issues in human factors and process operator performance. The goal is an open and low-cost forum for the identification, analysis, and dissemination of research in such areas as selection/training, interface design, decision aides, automation, procedures, and control room design.
  WHO IS IT? 
Under the umbrella of Wright State University, a leader in human factors research, and under the direction of human factors engineering consultants Beville Engineering, Inc., members include: Flint Hills Resources  SUNCOR Energy 

Upcoming Meetings

April 21-23, 2009 at Wright State University in Dayton, OH.

Recent Meetings

Oct 21-22, 2008
April 2-3, 2008
 
 NOVA Chemicals Marathon Pipe Line Company, LLC
 COMPLETED RESEARCH
Scenario-Based Training.
As a follow up to the Center's pilot project, a new training methodology was tailored from the military to the petrochemical industry by Klein Associates. Train-the-trainer video and training scenarios for this low cost, highly effective training are available to all center members.
How Do Display Colors Impact Operator Performance?
While research in display formatting is abundant in other domains, it is lacking in the petrochemical industry. Jennie Gallimore, PhD, from Wright State University, takes the first step toward the development of color guidelines for process control in this comprehensive report available to COP member companies.
What are the Key Elements of a Successful Simulator Training Program?
Millions of dollars are being expended by petrochemical companies to provide simulator-based training programs. Misty Gripper, PhD, of Wright State University details the key determinants to successful simulator training programs and what steps the industry should take to maximize simulator usage.
 CURRENT RESEARCH
How Many Alarms Can an Operator Really Handle?
While many guidelines and rules-of-thumb exist, quantification of alarm limits is lacking. Craig Harvey, PhD, of Louisiana State University, is empirically evaluating three different attributes and their affect on alarm processing limits. Results expected April 2009...More details
Data and Decisions to Display Mapping
This project will begin to quantify data requirements for making key decisions, thereby both reducing the number of displays required and improving their quality and quality of the decision making. Jennie Gallimore, PhD, of Wright State University will also explore whether this data differs for novice versus expert operators...More details
IN THE PIPELINE...
Knowledge Management

With the current attrition rate of operators, it is critical to understand their knowledge before they walk out the door. Building on previous COP projects, this effort will capture and document "expertise" knowledge. RFP

Event Prediction and Mitigation

COP members are currently considering proposals aimed at providing advance (pre-alarm) notice of off-normal operation. RFP

Metrics

While a great deal of emphasis has been placed on human factors in the petrochemical industry, it is not known if this attention is worthwhile. The Center will soon be seeking proposals to identify relatively simple measures for assessing the effectiveness of the Automation System and the Console Operator in maintaining safe operation.

 WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEAK WITH A MEMBER COMPANY?  WHO MAY JOIN
If you would like to speak with one of our members, please contact us via email or phone. Contact Beville Engineering, Inc.Contact us
7087 Corporate Way
Dayton, OH 45459
937-434-1093
Email
Us
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  • Pipe Lines
  • Process Plants
  • Production Plants
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