LEENA KOOTTUNGAL
Survey Editor/News Writer
Training in the oil and gas industry can consist of several types: hands-on, lectures, and even multimedia. It's important for training strategies to evolve as each generation enters an industry's workforce. The newest generation always seems to be motivated by the most-advanced of technologies.
In a virtual environment, simulation training brings clarity and uniformity where trainees are able to experience realistic scenarios while remaining safe. Simulation training is interactive and engaging, making it easier for trainees to retain information and apply what they have learned to real life scenarios.
Simply "being trained" is no longer enough. Employees must be able to demonstrate that they can apply their knowledge and skills to the standards required. With various test scenarios presented in simulation training, trainers and trainees are able to assess the user's real-time task performance. Personnel also will be able to understand the entire work process flow as well as their colleagues' roles and responsibilities.
Downstream simulation
Earlier this month, UOP LLC launched new training simulators for its "unionfining" and fluid catalytic cracking processes, intended to improve operational excellence and profitability at refineries.
The simulators allow process engineers and operators to develop troubleshooting skills and gain experience in a safe, repeatable, and controlled environment.
Unlike other training simulators, UOP embeds proprietary reactor models, operating philosophy, and engineering expertise directly into the training simulator software. The simulators include realistic exercises that mimic real-life operations and allow the operator to experience upset conditions typically only experienced over a lifetime.
UOP provides a comprehensive operator training solution with web-based training for process fundamentals, followed by hands-on practice of skills using the UOP training simulator.
Upstream simulations
Kea Studios, a simulation training developer based in Miri, Malaysia, launched PetroSims, a simulation training environment geared for the oil and gas industry, at Getenergy 2010 (Global Education and Training for Energy) in Kuala Lumpur. The first simulation training module showcased was the Offshore Orientation (Safety Briefing), which enabled trainees to explore and familiarize themselves with the platform environment and safety procedures.
Trainees learned about various types of personal protective equipment (PPE) by equipping their virtual selves. The competency of the trainee was assessed and evaluated through the actions and responses made when faced with test scenarios.
They experienced many realistic—but virtual—scenarios such as firefighting, "man overboard," platform abandonment, and hazard identification.
Separately, KCA Deutag this month teamed up with Robert Gordon University to provide drilling and rig training from the university's new Energy Centre at its Garthdee campus in Aberdeen. The company will relocate its DART simulator (Drilling and Advanced Rig Training) facility from the company's offices to a new complex within the Energy Centre, expected to open in 2013.
DART is the only system of its kind offering real-time drilling simulation and downhole modeling. There are currently DART facilities in Aberdeen, Russia, Sakhalin, Azerbaijan, Libya, and Dubai.
The facility in Aberdeen provides a full-scale reproduction of an offshore platform or land rig, complete with state-of-the-art touch screen consoles for both driller and assistant driller. Three-dimensional graphics of the rig's drill floor and automated or remotely controlled equipment are projected onto a 60-ft wide cinema screen at the front of the drilling control room cabin.
As the driller operates the rig-floor equipment, the simulation depicts realistic and dynamic graphics and sounds to simulate what the driller would see and hear on an actual rig.
The recent Macondo well blowout and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has highlighted the potential for drilling operations to suffer the worst-possible consequences when things go wrong.
The DART team identified an opportunity for the simulator to help ensure that the people working with blowout prevention equipment have a high level of formal training with written and practical assessments to verify competency.
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