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University and industry collaborate to increase safety for oil and gas companies

Health & Safety

The Oil and Gas Institute at RGU is working with simulator developer Drilling Systems and its innovative drilling, well control and lifting simulator technology to help oil and gas companies identify ways to improve efficiencies and raise safety standards, which in turn leads to substantial cost savings

Over the past 12 months, the partnership has worked with several oil and gas companies to help them reduce non-productive time and optimise drilling.

Clive Battisby, chief operating officer at Drilling Systems, said, “We are delighted that our unique working relationship with RGU is helping oil and gas companies save time, money and improve safety.

“Our simulators create an extremely realistic environment, which mirrors the equipment and conditions faced on a rig. In this risk-free setting, operators can practise everyday manoeuvres and specific emergency scenarios which test competency, so that when they start work in-the-field they are confident and comfortable with the task in hand and operating at maximum efficiency.

“Our simulators are also enabling oil and gas companies to test the effectiveness of procedures for new equipment or process changes in a safe environment avoiding costly mistakes or downtime on a live rig.”

Phil Hassard, Oil and Gas Institute Drilling Simulator Manager at RGU, added, “This is a perfect example of a university and industry working together effectively to raise standards and identify better ways of doing things for the oil and gas sector.”

“Thanks to simulator technology, our clients have potentially saved millions of dollars this year alone through improved efficiencies and have reduced non-productive time significantly,” he noted.

“Working closely with Drilling Systems has also enabled us to develop innovations such as decommissioning simulators and mobile training units and we anticipate this relationship to continue. Together we can ensure the sector has well trained, highly competent workers, well equipped for the needs of the industry moving forward,” he concluded.