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Intelligent 3D Portal
2
Figure 2: Integration Between the Virtual Plant and an Existing
improve the quality and timeliness of their reactions in order to
Web Page Using Parametric URLs (BabelFish™ Application from the
avoid major disasters (diagnostic training); or
ISS Group)
• a contextual simulation tool replicating actions in the field.
Real-life training during operations is nearly impossible, as problems
must be solved in the fastest and safest way possible, and operations
do not allow for training time. Therefore, a virtual 3D environment is
a key element of the teaching process. The retention of the details in
the 3D virtual models of existing plants is vital to ensuring training
fidelity. The 3D virtual plant is therefore an ideal environment for
training field-support personnel to respond to emergency and non-
emergency situations, with a navigation interface that includes a fully
functional avatar for third-person visualisation. Operators will be fully
immersed in a virtual environment mimicking the real world. In this
environment, procedures can be tested and optimised and operators
can be trained and retrained on their daily jobs. Working with OTS,
operators will be able to work together in joined sessions, allowing
Figure 3: Integrating the 3D Model, the Piping and Instrumentation
Diagrams and the Process Studio
®
Application (from Protomation)
tacit knowledge to be passed from the more experienced personnel to
newcomers. Custom-made process simulation models typically include
a module specially designed for field operator training, taking
advantage of the same techniques used for the training of control
room operators, i.e. graphics and faceplates. For modern simulation
tools, bi-directional communication between both applications is
achieved through object linking and embedding (OLE) for process
control (OPC). The OPC specification includes a standard set of
objects, interfaces and methods for use in process control applications
to facilitate interoperability.
In Figure 3, all components of the system are dynamically linked. The
user can walk to a manual valve in the 3D model and close it. The
dynamic process model responds and the flow through that valve will
stop. The change in the valve opening is shown on the interactive
provides personalised interaction with information. The portal can be piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and can be visualised in
used to present information from the boardroom level down. Once the faceplate directly shown from the process studio application. The
deployed, large numbers of users, including those with limited combination of training scenario constructions and the virtual plant
technical skills, can quickly open, view and interact with pre-designed deliver a unique training solution, providing control, measurability and
reports to answer their business questions. The web server thus helps repeatability in complete safety. Compared with conventional training,
organisations to overcome the deficiencies and complexity evident in VR training has proved to be more realistic, more memorable and more
most business intelligence deployments. It eliminates the need for motivational and capable of delivering higher employee skill levels.
constant, ongoing integration of technologies by providing one Existing training techniques do not permit the required level of first-
consistent, fully integrated solution. person interaction with real events for effective preparation.
Operator Training Systems – Building the Human Asset Conclusion
Operational efficiency – regardless of the investment a company In summary, the key benefits of the Intelligent 3D Portal are: faster
makes in automation – is very much determined by human and better decisions – the web server can leverage previous
competencies. Most facilities have some critical manual operations investments, integrating business intelligence quickly into the
and many require humans for tasks that cannot be automated. existing environment and providing the information needed as
quickly as possible; and data consistency and control – through
Improving an employee’s capabilities is an investment whose returns centrally managed data and security, the portal ensures that the
show up as better performance. Given the current shortage of models or results utilised are the correct ones.
experienced personnel in this industry, the 3D virtual plant is the
ideal environment for contextual training of field-support personnel, Owner-operators that recognise and appreciate the power of the
such as in the case of an OTS. OTS are categorised as follows: virtual plant are already beginning to adopt these approaches for
their operations. We believe that these companies will be
• a generic simulation tool designed to teach operators techniques tomorrow’s leaders in asset life-cycle management and will create
that enable them to analyse and solve anomalies or problems and some very high hurdles for late adopters to overcome. ■
1. Exploration & Production – The Oil & Gas Review, 2008;6(2).
148
EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION – VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1
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