Experiences in training human resources using educational reactor simulators

The successful and safe operation of a new Research Reactor depends on the proper design of the facility, including topics like safety, security and easy operation, among others, but another key factor is building human capacity through the proper qualification and training of the research reactor staff. The training of the operational staff starts with a proper transfer of technology on the new reactor. After classical theoretical lectures on the specific reactor systems and its operations and before proper reactor operation practices, educational-type simulators play an essential role to train the future operational staff of the reactor. Educational Reactor Simulators (ERS) are powerful tools providing virtual on-the-job training as they reproduce the reactor console allowing the users to assimilate basic operation procedures through interactive exercises. This work presents the capabilities of the ERS and describes INVAP experience using ERS in the training of human resources of new reactors designed and built by INVAP. (author)