University of Bath 3D Interactive Virtual Plant

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Embedding Interactive Virtual Plants in Undergraduate Engineering Education

TSC delivered a series of 3D Interactive Virtual Plant models to the Chemical Engineering department at the University of Bath. The simulations were installed on the university’s network to allow a classroom of 30 students to work in groups using the system simultaneously via the cloud.

The models offer immersive 3D environments and accurate process simulations to provide complex training scenarios and includes P&IDs, startup. Shutdown and maintenance scenarios. They enable Field and Control Room Operators to work together carrying out start-up and shut down procedures, problem solving or hazard awareness exercises. The software also has a powerful scenario and fault system allowing complex problems to be simulated on the plant.

The feedback from the University of Bath is positive, emphasising the value of TSC’s IVPs in addressing critical gaps in Chemical Engineering education.

Impact on Teaching & Learning

“Let me first say that the locally hosted Interactive Virtual Plants (IVPs) deployed on the PCs in our Year 1 and Year 2 laboratories have become a key feature of our undergraduate programmes. They are in constant use and are now well-embedded in our teaching delivery. From a pedagogical perspective, they align closely with our approach to design and process understanding and are highly valued by both staff and students.”

— Dr Herdes, University of Bath

Year 1 Students:

Before doing the experiment, what was the level of your understanding of a shutdown procedure of a Three-Phase Separator?

Very low, Low, Medium, High, Extremely High

The Result

Before using the IVP, 58% of first-year students reported a “Very low” understanding of a shut-down procedure for a three-phase separator. The IVP’s impact on their perceived knowledge of the subject increased to “High” for 58% of the students and “Very high” for 11%.

“As a digital technology, TSC IVPs help bridge the critical gap in Chemical Engineering education as identified by the IChemE’s Learned Society Committee via the Digitalisation Technical Advisory Group”