An operation support interface by visualization of chemical equations

The operator´s level of understanding of physical phenomena has decreased and the lack of a sense of awareness regarding the plant situation has become serious issues with advances in IT and industrial automation technology. One reason for this is that the system is a ldquoblack box.rdquo Here, we propose a method of making the causal relations of necessary elements visible to the operator. Therefore, we aim to allow the operator to make appropriate mental models and thus promote understanding of the system. Here, we describe the development of an interface that makes the phenomena occurring in a reactor visible based on the chemical reaction involved in the simple recycling process. Furthermore, we propose interface design for the steam reforming process as a more complex process.