(56c) Integrating Life Cycle Dynamic Simulation and Training for Efficient Design, Startup, and Operation

Oil and gas exploration and production companies invest heavily in sizeable assets that must be delivered at the lowest possible cost and then optimized to operate efficiently and safely.  While much attention is paid to physical assets and the implementation of the latest technical innovations, operating personnel continue to be trained and developed using techniques perfected in the last century.

This paper presents a new way of improving performance of an asset by focusing on the human side of the equation.  Dynamic simulation tools typically used to design projects provide a powerful operations and training tool as well.  It is now possible to use one dynamic process model all the way through a production asset’s life that ranges from conceptual engineering to long-term operations.  The same model can provide the foundation of an effective training program. 

High performance, safely operated assets have a common trait; the operations workforce receives structured training that incorporates continuous and creative uses of simulators.  Traditional operator training techniques in use for decades continue to dominate the industry.  As a result, operator performance achieves only minimal levels of competency.

Industry demands, however, that operators safely achieve high levels of production in an optimal and safe manner.  This gap between demands and capabilities must be addressed.  The concepts presented in this paper creatively integrate simulation technologies and training programs in order to accelerate competencies beyond only “good enough”.  The end result is a workforce that can safely operate a plant, optimize its production and recover more quickly from upsets.