SIGNIFICANTLY ADVANCE AN OPERATORS EXPERIENCE AND REDUCE UNDESIRABLE OPERATING EVENTS

Every Pipeline Operating company should have a training simulator. Following the lead of the aviation industry, an increasing number of companies are using them to demonstrate their commitment to pipeline safety. Simultaneous benefits include the minimisation of downtime an improving in efficiency and increasing profitability.

But a training simulator can also create problems for a pipeline operating company if it does not match the reality of the pipeline operation. SSL uses its advanced VariSim^TM simulator at the core of the Training Simulator application to provide one the most realistic environments on the market today.

The training simulators can be used to train operators to deal with a variety of frequent and infrequent events that they could experience on the real pipeline. They help significantly advance an operator’s experience that would otherwise take months or even years to obtain. Indeed, the operator can be exposed and trained to deal with unwanted hazardous events and even learn to prevent them occurring in the first instance.  The following are examples of the benefits that can be provided by the training simulator.

• Rapidly advance an operators experience in dealing with everyday normal pipeline operation.
• Learn to use the SCADA system and associated real time applications
• Replay pipeline events
• Learn to operate safely and effectively within design limits.
• Train operators to recognise and deal with hazardous pipeline operations including the ability to deal with pipeline leaks
• Demonstrate the effects of misuse and learn to trouble shoot with confidence.
• Optimise the performance of the pipeline system and improve the efficiency of throughput and compressor use.
• Demonstrate and verify start-up and shutdown procedures
• Practicing pig (scraper) tracking
• Practicing of product movement through the system

These typical requirements can be included within a comprehensive training program with each trainee having an individual set of training metrics to work towards, including: -

• The definition of training goals in measurable terms
• The evaluation of trainee performance.
• Tracking of performance and progress

The trainee interface is the same interface as VariSim^TM supplemented with an instructors interface for creating scenarios and initiating assessment criteria. The trainee interface can take one of two forms. It can use an actual copy of the SCADA system itself or a replicated SCADA interface can be provided by SSL. The SCADA screen displays can often be used with the SSL supply.