Combined Virtual Plant Experience and P&ID Reading as Learning Experience for Chemical Plants Safety and Emergency Procedures

Abstract

This study presents a blended learning approach for education in science, technology and engineering, integrating traditional lectures with immersive 3D virtual laboratories. By linking AVEVA XR software with dynamic simulation tools (AVEVA DYNSIM™), students or workers can explore a digital twin of a chemical plant and practice with complex operational and emergency procedures in a safe environment. A key focus is the interpretation of technical documentation, such as Process and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) and the Process Flow Diagram (PFD) of the plant, to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial practice. This work explores the application of a virtual didactic laboratory in which an emergency scenario is reconstructed for the teaching of safety protocols and the interaction between the plant and its technical documentation. Results show that this synergistic method enhances student engagement and provides essential field competencies rarely addressed in standard academic curricula. This represents a significant advancement in engineering education, leveraging the intelligent use of modern digital technologies to bridge theory and industrial practice in emergency situations.