CASE STUDY
CNR Adopt Pisys Simulator for Baobab Field - New Operator Familiarisation and Training
Summary
Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) selected the Pisys simulator to support the training of process operators on the Baobab FPSO to manage a large and complex deep-water subsea development.
Background
Baobab Ivoirien is an FPSO operating off the Ivory Coast in the deep water. The Baobab field is located in deep water with depths ranging from 900 to 1700 metres. The field is tied back to the FPSO for liquid separation and oil storage. Production is from subsea trees connected to two Manifold templates Manifold Drill Centre North (DCN) and Drill Centre South (DCS), These in turn are connected to the FPSO via the field pipeline system – typical flowline and riser configuration. Two water injection manifolds also form part of the field development; one at North (WIN) and one in the south (WIS). Splitter manifolds have been added as part of the field development subsequently.
Challenge
Paul Hunter, Systems and Controls Technical Authority summarised the challenges faced:
“We have two representatives on the vessel who look after the subsea production system as well as being involved with other tasks. Their job really is quite demanding because there’s a number of interfaces on the FPSO. As a Technical Authority I am always looking at operations and operational Integrity, making sure that systems and processes are understandable, and that they don’t cause any anxiety with individuals operating them. One of the issues you have with a system like this, is the fear of making a mistake and previously there wasn’t any mechanism to allow operators to try things out and gain confidence; other than being on the live system. We also wanted the ability to use our PI Vision data to help analyse events – for example if we had something shut down unexpectedly, we could step back to the incident in Pi Vision and run the data through the reference system to visualise how and why the incident may have happened.”
Solution
“I knew about the Pisys product range as they are pretty well established in the sector, and after seeing demonstrations of their simulator in action we decided to engage them to build a system for the Baobab field.
We assembled a small internal team to consult with the Pisys team directly. Consultations did not affect our normal day to day operational duties; a bonus. Our process engineer worked closely with the Pisys team to ensure that screens and faceplates responded in the way that we expect them to on the live system. Pisys were then able to quickly replicate the Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs) as they would be experienced on the live system. Pisys were also able to build a ‘tweakable’ process flow model in the background so we can actually see data change in the same way that it would on the actual system itself.”
Result
“At the moment, we have the vessel in Dry Dock and we have been using the simulator to look at various tags, to make sure that we have everything in alignment for the vessel going back.
There will be some changes to the mode of operation when the FPSO risers are re-instated, so the logic on the shutdown sequences will then change. Having the simulator has allowed us to look at the current setup (Tags etc.) and make changes in readiness.
We also have some new personnel coming to the team and having the simulator alleviates some of their anxiety going forward, as they can build familiarity with the system and look at various operational scenarios in a very realistic way. The country in which we’re operating is now looking at local content so there’s a priority on hiring and training locally. The simulator allows individuals within country to access the cloud-based system and facilitate training locally as well. rather than have someone travelling to the FPSO to be trained they can log on remotely and an experienced operator can log in from the office here or in Ivory Coast and they are both looking at the same scenario in real time in the simulator – it’s a massive time and cost saving for us.”
REDUCED
Costs
IMPROVED
Efficiency
INCREASED
Confidence
Testimonial
The Pisys simulator allows the operational team to have exposure to an accurate representation of our operational system; without the need for expensive hardware and travel. The support from Pisys is very good and the system itself can be modified as the actual subsea system develops and changes. The Fidelity of the system will also get better with use and as we build new operational scenarios into it, such as ‘Black start models’ - it's been game-changing for our team.
