New Simulator to Improve Training of Crane Operators at Savannah River Site
The Office of Environmental Management of the U.S. Department of Energy will use a new simulator to train operators on the safe and efficient movement of a remotely controlled crane. Such equipment is used at the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina.
DWPF uses a system of unmanned bridge cranes to install and replace equipment in the high humidity, high radiation and severe chemical environment of the facility processing chambers.
Manipulating a powerful crane by way of a video screen through the facility’s canyon full of equipment proved to be a challenge. The crane is equipped with hoists for lifting items weighing from 1 ton to 117 tons, eleven cameras mounted to the crane frame that allow the operator to position the crane and its hoists wherever needed over the canyon. Another camera is used to get close-up views of anything in the canyon.
The simulator is rather a realistic one for the trainees to be thoroughly trained on everyday duties as well as respond to emergencies in a comparably short time. The simulator provides a 3D representation of the facility canyon area. It uses the same type of crane operator console coupled with a simulation model that uses high resolution imaging and physics-based video game technology.
By employing new technologies like the simulator, it is likely that operators will be better prepared to recognize and respond to challenges they might face. The instructor said that the simulator makes it possible to create personalized scenarios for crane operators to help them improve their skills and to deal with specific situations that they may face.
Instead of a universal approach, the program allows adapting the training to individual needs. In addition, it provides the ability for precise setup of parameters to improve movement and develop professional skills.