THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IS RAPIDLY ADOPTING VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGIES. BUT WHY? WHAT HAS LED COMPANIES LIKE BP, CHEVRON, AND CONOCOPHILLIPS TO IMPLEMENT VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGIES ACROSS THEIR SITES?
Efficient Repair
When equipment fails, technicians must quickly assess the issue to identify the parts and tools necessary for repairs. This diagnostic process can be time-consuming, and if technicians are off-site, additional safety clearances and permits may be required before attending the site. By blending a virtual view of the problem with real-time data from operational systems, technicians are better able to assess the problem before they are physically on-site. This process has a significant impact on how much time is needed to complete the repair. Exploring the problem asset in virtual reality also ensures that technicians have a fuller understanding of the requisite repairs before arriving on site. A Virtual Reality twin of the site augmented with historical data of key parameters could help technicians make better decisions.
Optimization
With more experienced workers reaching retirement age, and new systems and technologies entering the industry all the time, the collection and sharing of knowledge must be undertaken as soon as possible. How can this data be managed and accessed? With virtual reality, each piece of equipment can have data attached to it. Rather than having to find a specific file or folder, the user can walk up to the equipment in question and access all the necessary data. This intuitive environment is accessible 24/7 and independent of the location of the user. That means users from across the globe can view, access, and discuss the same information in real-time and with a real 3-D explorable view.
Reduce health safety risk exposure
The workforce in the oil and gas industry tends to be a mix of freelancers, independent contractors, and permanent employees. Workers of any contract type must be properly trained and certified before they can begin to work on site. Training has traditionally been accomplished through classroom training and videos. Unfortunately, this lack of experiential learning exposes the company to a great deal of unnecessary risk. Using software to create virtual models of plants, refinery units, and work areas allows new workers to get a “first-hand view” of the site. Further, developing engaging training scenarios that mimic the stress and adrenaline of real-time decision making has been shown to improve responses during a real incident.
The Bottom Line.
INCREASED EFFICIENCY IN TENDER AND PROCUREMENT PROCESSES
- No need to schedule site visits and inductions
- More accurate information from initiation to completion
- Model proposed repairs realistically
LESSEN NECESSITY FOR SITE VISITS
- Stakeholders can tour the asset at any time from anywhere
- Contractors can conduct inspections to provide preliminary quotations on services
FASTER MAINTENANCE TIMES
- Repairs can be planned efficiently
- Inductions can take place off-site
- Inspections can be conducted remotely
- Data is interactive and accessible
VIRTUAL FLY-THROUGHS AND MODELING OF PROPOSED NEW SITES AND PLATFORMS
- Demonstrate proposed modifications and innovations to investors\
- Trouble-shoot design flaws earlier in the process
- Trial different designs and model data.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
-JF Kennedy
