SPE paper shows drilling the rig on a simulator (DWOS) boosts human performance by 63%

A project to train a Petronas crew for a specific deep-water drilling campaign has shown how human performance can be improved by 63% by drilling the well on an OTR (On the Rig) simulator by Drilling Systems beforehand. The details of the project success are detailed in an SPE Presentation paper given by Petronas, Salos (Coaching Specialists) and Drilling Systems (Simulator provider) titled “Operational Performance Training Using High Fidelity Simulations and Advanced Human Performance Techniques” in September 2021.

92% of well control events are attributed to human factors. The objective of this team was to reduce the risk. The project began when Petronas commissioned Drilling Systems’ mobile ‘On-the-Rig’ (OTR) drilling simulator to prepare its crew prior to starting a deep-water drilling campaign. A digital twin of the well-specific and equipment-specific conditions was created on the OTR to enable Petronas personnel to drill the well on the simulator (DWOS) beforehand using the exact environment and conditions they would face operationally to fine tune skills.

Coaching specialists, Salos worked closely with Drilling Systems to identify and design eight realistic scenarios and challenges for Petronas personnel to undertake on the OTR. These scenarios were based on previous deep-water project experiences and included: Drilling Ahead, Well Control, Stuck Pipe, Shallow Flow, Total Loss of Circulation, DP Status Change, Stripping and Losses, Ballooning and Wellbore Breathing.

Complete teams comprising of both drilling and supervisory personnel practised each of these scenarios together in their operational roles and were assessed on 11 elements: six relating to human factors such as communications, teamwork and decision-making and five technical skills including downhole understanding, procedure knowledge and programme knowledge.  The scores showed a marked improvement over the course of the training with average marks increasing from 54% to 86% from the first simulator session to the last. This represented an overall improvement of 63%.

The challenges that Petronas faced with their operations are similar to the challenges we face for the Indonesian Oil and Gas community.  Using simulator technology along with the right coaching can significantly reduce HSE risks, and improve overall performance of our operations.

Want to discuss how a Drilling and Well Control Simulator can support your operations?
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SPE paper shows drilling the rig on a simulator (DWOS) boosts human performance by 63%

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