Operator Trainer Module

NextGen’s Operator Trainer Module is a simulation based trainer in which pipeline operators control a virtual model of the pipeline as if they were operating the real pipeline. Since hydraulic simulation is being used in the background, the virtual model will react to their actions in the same way that the actual pipeline would.

This module lets companies create their own Training Scenarios, where each Training Scenario can have a preprogrammed set of events that will occur during the simulation that the operator will need to react to and take action to correct, in order to alleviate problems and maintain the operation and integrity of the pipeline.

Some scenarios might involve standard day to day operations, or maybe a sudden change in supplies or deliveries, compressor station shut downs and start ups, or even a major rupture on the pipeline.

There is a significant benefit in allowing operators to train using a simulation based trainer that mimics the actual pipeline that they will be operating, so that they can try out various operations, learn how to react to emergencies and what operations work best, as well as make mistakes, without impacting the real pipeline.

Each training scenario can be preconfigured with a grading scheme, so that the results of each training run can be evaluated. Typically, a library of training scenarios will be created and an operatoir should try to get passing grades on all of the preconfigured training scenarios. Training scenarios can be repeated as many times as desired, and all training runs can be archived for later review.

If NextGen Online is installed, an easy way to create a Training scenario is to simply copy a 24 hour simulation period from the real time model which will duplicate that 24 hour period. Additional actions can then be preprogrammed on top of the historical operation. For example triggering a rupture or an emergency station shut down in the middle of a peak day. Training scenarios can also be generated from any predictive simulation run.

To start a training session, trainees can select from any of the available scenarios, then start the simulation run, and interactively take appropriate actions such as modifying set points, opening or closing valves, turning stations or units on and off, curtailing supplies and deliveries and so on. At the end of the simulation, which is typically an accelerated 24 or 48 hours, the Training Module will run through the results and derive a “grade” based on the grading configuration. Trainee names, the scenarios they ran, and their grades are logged and can be displayed in a report.

NextGen supports two different methodologies that the trainee can use to control the virtual pipeline during a training session: a SCADA Trainer Interface, or the NextGen Trainer Interface. In both cases the trainee would use a NextGen session to select and launch a training scenario, but then use either actual SCADA screens or the NextGen session itself to control the pipeline during the simulation.

SCADA Operator Interface

With the SCADA system being used as an interface, the training scenarios are still set up on the NextGen side, but the trainee uses your own SCADA system to control the simulation, open or close valves, modify deliveries and supplies, reset pressure or other set points, turn units on and off, and view simulation results.

This is the best option since trainees are using the same interface they will be using to monitor and control the actual pipeline, and the virtual model will react to changes in set points and other parameters in the same manner as the actual pipeline. From the trainees’ perspective, it is as if they are operating the real pipeline, but in accelerated time.

To implement a SCADA based NextGen Trainer, links must be established between SCADA data and NextGen model data, and typically the SCADA system itself needs to have a reserved partition for virtual model data and screens that is separate from the actual pipeline partition.

NextGen Operator Interface

Another simpler option is to use NextGen itself to control the training scenario. While not as realistic as using a SCADA interface, the advantage is that trainees can run training scenarios on any laptop, online or offline, even while riding a bus to work.

There are also two options within NextGen to run training scenarios.

NextGen Simulation Interface

With this option, trainees can use the normal NextGen simulation interface consisting of the Record Editor, Map component, Reports, and other NextGen interface components to control the training simulation. While not the same as a SCADA type display, this does have the benefit of allowing trainees to not only learn how to operate the pipeline, but also learn how to run NextGen simulations and become qualified pipeline simulation users.

NextGen Custom Reports

The other option is to use NextGen Custom Reports to create custom interface screens much as you would create SCADA screens, and develop a simplified SCADA look alike interface within NextGen.

This is a compromise in which trainees use an interface similar to the one they will be using to operate the actual pipeline, but you don’t need to go through the work of creating a separate Training partition on the SCADA system, and the training scenarios can be run at any time on any laptop.

Conclusion

Pipeline operators face a daunting task in safely operating pipelines that can span thousands of miles, with dozens of compressor stations, hundreds of valves, potential flow reversals, and changing conditions that vary with loads and unexpected outages.

It is imperative that operators go through adequate training so that they feel comfortable dealing with not just normal operating conditions, but also emergency situations that may happen only infrequently.

This is best done by training them using a virtual pipeline that duplicates the behavior of the actual pipeline, so that when a station shuts down, a major supply cuts off, or a major rupture occurs on the real pipeline, they will have already experienced similar emergencies using the trainer and will have already gone through many practice sessions to try out different operating strategies and operating configurations to deal with the situation.