Kuwait Oil Company’s ageing workforce created the need for the successful transfer of knowledge to a new generation of plant operators. As a result, the company adopted SimSci EYESIM Immersive Virtual Reality technology which helps the company to prepare new operators even before they step into new working environments.
With Kuwait being the sixth largest oil reserve in the world, the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is responsible for overseeing the oil and gas industry for the country.
The mission of KOC is to explore, drill, develop and produce Kuwait’s hydrocarbon resources for its customers around the world in a way that is safe for employees, environmentally sound and economically viable.
Being in charge of the oil reserves in one of the more progressive countries in the Middle East, KOC is unique in the industry and the region because it embraces the best and latest technology to solve problems, maximise resources and improve operations.
Evidence of KOC’s passion for high technology is in its employee training programme which uses EYESIM Immersive Virtual Reality 3D technology from SimSci.
SimSci Simulator enhances plant safety through operator training
EYESIM Immersive Virtual Reality technology is a revolutionary solution that enables simulation-based training for both KOC field and control room operators.
By capturing the inherent value in the workforce knowledge base, EYESIM integrates it into the comprehensive training programme of KOC.
“The concept simply is to bring the facility inside a room displaying visual data with full integration of facility operations. The added value with the simulator is to support the technical aspect for operation and use this room as a ‘smart training’ centre for all operations staff,” said Jamal Abdul-Hameed Al-Humoud, Manager, Research and Technology Group, KOC.
KOC has been using SimSci technology for several years but has recently been faced with new operator training requirements.
“The SimSci simulator helps in plant safety and combined with Smart Training supports the efficient overall operation of the refinery,” said Al-Humoud.
EYESIM provides 3D simulation for operator training
KOC has been using SimSci technology for years and with the company’s new requirements for operator training, they embraced the technology and implemented it immediately.
KOC management found that the EYESIM immersive technology provides significant benefits to its updated training programme.
The Immersive Training System (ITS), SimSci EYESIM, connects all operators and plant personnel with a high-fidelity, three-dimensional process simulation and virtual walk-through plant environment. Operator Training Simulators (OTS) allow operators to train on a computer in an identical environment to that of the control room within the facility.
This provides a realistic virtual learning environment, which prepares personnel to act appropriately in any given situation. EYESIM supports the capture and knowledge-transfer of best practices, increasing efficiency and reducing costly errors or maintenance.
Peter Richmond, product manager for SimSci, said: “This is an exciting new technology and KOC is the first customer in the upstream industry in the Middle East to adopt it.”
Ensuring safety is top priority
It was very important that KOC created a ‘real world’ training experience for its young professionals before they go into the actual working plant environment. The 3D simulation provided by EYESIM promotes these workers’ self-confidence before they step foot into the plant.
One of the aims of KOC is to build employee confidence through training. EYESIM provides this as well as enhances employee safety in the plant working environment.
Prior to EYESIM, KOC trained operators directly on the plant floor, which made it difficult to ensure that production was efficient and safe. Because operators have to be competent before being permitted to work in the plant, KOC chose to make an investment in employee training with the 3D EYESIM visualisation system, which familiarises them with the plant before they are taken on to the floor.
EYESIM has established a successful personnel training programme that has resulted in fewer accidents and better safety, as well as reducing unplanned shutdowns.
“EYESIM helps KOC prepare its professionals even before they step into new working environments. With the new EYESIM immersive technology, employees are familiarised with operations before they even do the actual work,” said Yacoub Al-Shatti, KOC training instructor.
This provides a realistic virtual learning environment, which prepares personnel to act appropriately in any given situation. EYESIM supports the capture and knowledge-transfer of best practices, increasing efficiency and reducing costly errors or maintenance.
Capture and knowledge transfer of best practices
A key aspect driving this project is KOC’s retiring workforce.
As operators leave KOC, its vital that the company is able to transfer the critical knowledge of the senior members of its workforce to the new incoming group of operators. This is critical to ensuring that the plant continues to operate safely and reliably.
Al Farhoud said: “The Immersive Virtual Reality training from EYESIM helps give KOC personnel the skills needed to confidently and skillfully run our production processes.”
With EYESIM, KOC captures the inherent value in the knowledge base of its workforce, integrating it into a comprehensive training programme that grows with the needs of the company. Thanks to SimSci, KOC is able to bring new technology to a new generation of employees.
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