The practical application of improved control can have a significant impact on process performance. In many processes it can double profitability. Students will learn not only the importance of the technology but also how it is applied. The courses stress the practical application of basic and advanced control techniques, using the minimum of control theory.
Whitehouse offers a wide range of course modules that can be configured to deliver training lasting a few hours to that lasting several weeks.
Students retain the course software for long term use. The courses are intensive and the software provides an effective reminder of the techniques covered. It can also used by clients to support internal courses. It includes the Engineering Toolkit, designed for use not only on the course but is also applicable to control design for real processes.
The course tutor, Myke King, has over 40 years experience in the practical application of process control. His early career was spent with ICI and Esso. For almost 40 years he has been an independent consultant working for many of the world's leading companies. He has taught process control to over 2,500 engineers. Students have the opportunity to discuss, with Myke, application of the technology to their own process. Most are able to return to their plant and make an immediate impact on its performance. Myke can similarly offer advice on how larger projects should be progressed and which vendors and technologies should be considered.
If there are more than three students then in-company courses will be the more cost effective approach. Whitehouse charges a fix fee, no matter how many attend. Provided the facilities permit it, Whitehouse imposes no limit on numbers. Further, there is no restriction on who attends; for example it is not required that a student be employed by the host company. Staff from groups not directly involved in implementation, who might be sent on an outside course, can readily attend just those modules of interest. The courses are of value not only to those directly involved in implementation but also to process management and other technical support groups who have responsibility for maintaining and improving process profitability. Successful implementation depends also on the awareness of others of the benefits and the efforts involved in installation. Students would include control engineers, process engineers, mechanical engineers, instrument engineers, instrument technicians, process operators and plant supervisors.
Each course comprises a number of relatively short classroom sessions each followed by more lengthy 'hands-on' work. Students work in small groups on a process simulated on a PC. Following the course, Whitehouse continues to support the client, providing advice on the implementation of technology and on project execution.
While Whitehouse recommends that all courses start with its foundation material, content can be customised to suit the client's needs. And, given sufficient notice, Whitehouse can schedule the course as required. While Whitehouse's preference is to present its courses face-to-face, it has successfuly run most of its modules on-line. It also regularly customises shorter webinars to meet specific client needs.
Whitehouse recognises that many organisations may have only one or two engineers requiring training. Historically these would attend one of the open-access courses that Whitehouse scheduled regularly throughout the world. But, some years ago, industry's preference shifted more towards in-company training - undermining the viability of open-access courses.
So Whitehouse now offers an alternative approach. The student purchases a single-user licence to the software. The software includes tutorials. Further the student is entitled to a copy of the course notes for any module of interest. These too include hands-on exercises. The student might also wish to obtain a copy of Myke King's book. At no extra charge, Myke supports the student as required - via email, telephone or video-conferencing. There is no limit on the amount of assistance provided nor is there any deadline by which material has to be covered. And assistance is not limited to helping understand the course material; it can cover any real control problem.