RGU brings world-first decom simulator to SPE Offshore Europe 2019

Sunday 25 August 2019

Decom simulator
Visitors to SPE Offshore Europe in September will have the opportunity to try out a suite of state-of-the-art simulators, including the DRILLSIM:5000 Decom Simulator, which is being transported to the show from its home at RGU.

The DRILLSIM:5000, and the associated software which it runs, is a world-first and is being used to support decommissioning activities in the UK and other parts of the world.

A collaboration between RGU, OGTC, KCA Deutag and Drilling Systems, the simulator focuses on well-plugging and abandonment (P&A).

Delegates to the show will be able to test their skills on the simulator, which is currently supporting oil and gas operators and service companies with the planning and preparation for well P&A, in a similar way pilots get trained and tested on flight simulators.

Housed in the Life Extension and Decom Zone at OE19, the simulator will be manned by Phil Hassard, RGU’s Drilling Simulation Manager.

Phil commented: “Having relocated our DRILLSIM:5000 out to P&J Live for Offshore Europe provides a unique opportunity for visitors to get hands on experience with this extremely sophisticated piece of kit.

“Since we launched the simulator at the end of 2017, we have been able to support the industry by enhancing the safety, improving the efficiency and reducing the cost associated with decommissioning oil and gas wells.”

As well as the DRILLSIM:5000, there will be the opportunity to try out two other simulators. On-The-Rig (OTR) is a real-time portable simulator which brings drilling and equipment operations, well control and crane training to the rig. The MultiSIM is a portable simulator which offers real-time well intervention operator training in one advanced system.

Clive Battisby, chief operating officer at Drilling Systems, said: “We are delighted to partner with RGU at Offshore Europe to showcase the benefits of using simulators in oil and gas training and to enhance decommissioning skills.

“Drilling Systems has worked closely with RGU for decades to raise standards and identify better ways of doing things for the oil and gas sector, developing innovations such as decommissioning simulators and mobile training units.

“During the Offshore Europe event, we will be conducting several talks at RGU’s stand to discuss the latest developments in simulation and to highlight how the industry is using this technology to improve efficiencies, boost safety and make significant savings. Visitors will also get the chance to try out some of our systems for themselves. We hope to see you at the event.”

SPE Offshore Europe exhibition director, Simon Marshall said: “The industry has long promoted digitalisation as a desirable place to be and how wonderful to have a tactile piece of cutting-edge kit, the DRILLSIM:5000 on-site at Offshore Europe giving engineers present and future the opportunity to visualise their training.”

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