Virtual and augmented reality offers new training tool
While many associate virtual and augmented reality (AR and VR) technology with video games and simulation experiences, it is perfectly suited for the offshore oil and gas industry. Research shows that VR-based training dramatically improves retention and recall of information and events. A study by the National Training Laboratory (NTL) for Applied Behavioral Science revealed that the retention rates for lecture-style learning were at 5%, while retention from reading-based learning was at 10%. In contrast, learning by doing (where VR simulations exist) produced a 75% retention rate.
One of Optech4D’s customers, a supermajor, has reported dramatic reductions in training costs while also achieving an increase in engagement and retention rates for its offshore helicopter landing officers (HLOs). Virtual reality now delivers training that was pure science fiction a few years ago. There is now a way to virtually create fully immersive, highly realistic environments where HLOs can experience the dangers and extremes of a helicopter crash on an offshore platform – on standard desktop computers or mobile devices.
The beauty of these realistic simulations is that the trainee is allowed to make mistakes, sometimes of the life threatening variety, and experience the outcomes with no serious repercussions. Allowing officers to learn from their mistakes in the virtual world will better prepare them for the emergency should it occur, allowing them to execute the emergency action plan quickly and accurately. Metrics on the accuracy, time, mistakes and completion percentage are logged with software during training and are reviewed with the training managers. This allows users and trainers to more accurately establish pass/fail criteria. Furthermore, these technologies allow companies to track and trend retention rates, performance and identify gaps in the training program.
Field engineers and technicians rely on access to accurate documentation when operating and maintaining offshore BOPs. With the new regulations on BOP maintenance and inspection being implemented, AR is quickly becoming a must-have technology for the offshore industry. Technicians can use AR tablets and smart safety glasses to access guided work instructions during this critical process – allowing for a safer and faster turnaround time with a reduced chance of errors.
The industry has yet to see the ramifications of the new regulations with respect to the added costs and associated downtime. The question needs to be asked: Why wait for a challenge to become a problem? With AR technologies, companies can offset these added costs by giving their employees the tools necessary to be successful.
Through technology available on the market today, field technicians can communicate in real time with remote experts anywhere in the world with the push of a button. Augmented reality allows consultants to lend their expertise to field workers without ever leaving the office or their own home. Gone are the days of flying an expert to a remote offshore location for a firsthand perspective at a problem.
With onboard cameras and WiFi connectivity, AR hardware (glasses and tablets) empower field technicians to “visualize what matters” from anywhere, any time. Augmented reality compounds the effectiveness of subject matter expert advice: They can provide counsel and troubleshooting expertise to multiple projects in multiple regions in a single day. Companies will be exploring the impact of this type of technology on their state-of-the-art platforms in all offshore drilling locations – which holds promise for increasing both safety and efficiencies. All signs point to seeing more of these projects over the next few years.
As companies struggle to address the growing knowledge gap in the offshore industry, virtual and augmented reality technologies have quickly become the best and most cost-effective solutions. The time has long passed for companies to dive into the AR-VR technology experience – it is time to take the plunge to better attracting top talent and improve efficiencies through AR and VR solutions.
Baker Hughes introduces small-diameter ESP system
Baker Hughes’ CENtrilift PASS slimline ESP (electric submersible pump) system is designed to help operators optimize production and reserve recovery while lowering lifting costs in small-diameter wellbores or wells with restricted space due to casing patches or complex completion designs.
The oilfield services provider claims that it is the only small-diameter ESP system capable of operating at flow rates down to 50 b/d and that it includes a comprehensive suite of slimline gas-management technology. Although small-diameter wells are typically onshore, this system can be used in offshore applications where the completion design limits the amount of space available for the ESP system.
The new ESP system incorporates a Baker Hughes’ FLEXPumpER extended-range pump, engineered using computational fluid dynamic modeling software to provide the industry’s widest operating range for a 3.38-in. pump. The FLEXPumpER pump operates at flow rates from 2,500 to 50 b/d, mitigating the need to change out pumping systems as production rates decline. The pump’s optimized flow path also improves ESP system reliability by preventing solids build-up and abrasive wear in the pump.
The ESP system manages gas entrained in the production stream or gas slugs that break out of the reservoir. It combines natural and mechanical separation in a single design to minimize the amount of gas entering the pump, regardless of wellbore orientation. When the ESP is deployed in a horizontal or deviated orientation, gravity cups shift to block the pump inlet ports on the high side of the intake where the gas accumulates, preventing the gas from entering the pump and venting it into the annulus.
When the ESP is installed in a vertical orientation, the production stream bypasses the gravity cups and mechanical vortex gas separation technology diverts gas away from the pump and into the annulus. For applications that only require mechanical gas separation, the CENtrilift PASS system includes a vortex gas separator. Unlike rotary gas separators, the company claims the vortex design is more efficient and more effective at separating gas from the fluid before it can enter the pump.
Any gas that does enter the pump is effectively handled by combining a GI gas insurance boost pump and a FLEXPumpER pump. Both pump designs are engineered to optimize performance in the presence of gas. When the two pump technologies are deployed together, the system can handle more than 60% gas volume fractions through the pump, Baker Hughes said.
The new ESP system also extends the pressure rating of the pump to 5,800 psi, allowing the ESP to be installed deeper in the well―closer to the producing zone―for greater reservoir pressure draw down and higher recovery rates. Enhancements to the 3.38-in. series motor design improve the mechanical and electrical strength of the motor by 30%, while reducing the angle of the motor-to-cable connection to mitigate potential damage during installation in smaller-diameter wellbores.
Ryan Moore, vice president, Artificial Lift Systems, said: “The CENtrilift PASS slimline ESP system gives operators who are drilling smaller-diameter wells to drive down drilling costs or to improve wellbore stability a full range of options to maximize production at the lowest possible lifting costs―even in challenging downhole conditions.
ITT introduces intelligent variable speed pump control and protection system
ITT’s PRO Services brand has launched PumpSmart PS220, a next-generation intelligent pump control and protection solution for single and multiple pumps.
Besides providing variable speed pump control, the new system features patented pump protection technology that protects against upset conditions such as dry run, minimum flow and cavitation, resulting in improved reliability and safety of the pump systems. In addition, it also includes advanced sensorless algorithms that determine critical performance parameters and provide valuable process insight and diagnostic data. Premier process control functionality comes with robust redundancy to maximize process uptime.
Adarsh Iyengar, global director for Monitoring & Controls, said: “The PumpSmart PS220 provides the next level in intelligent pumping and sensorless technology. Accurately delivering information on key performance metrics such as flow, head, and efficiency in real time without the need of external sensors gives our customers better insight to their pumping systems.
“The PS220’s innovative features include six-pump multipump control, a flow totalizer, intelligent sleep, flow economy, and minimum flow bypass valve control. These features deliver exceptional value to our customers as they better optimize pump control strategies and lower system design and operating costs compared to other variable speed drives that have pump functionality.”
By protecting against pump failure due to process upsets, PumpSmart keeps operations running longer and reduces unplanned repair activities and expense. By right-sizing pumps to the systems they are running, the new system can reduce not only energy consumption, but also wear and tear on the process systems.
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