Noble is using Drilling Systems’ cloud-based iDrillSIM to develop highly tailored virtual well control training sessions.
Covid-19 quarantines and global travel restrictions have made oil and gas industry training difficult but Noble is maximising on the unprecedented downtime to enhance the competency of its drilling teams using cloud-based simulation.
Noble is using Drilling Systems’ new cloud-based iDrillSIM to develop highly tailored virtual well control training sessions to prepare its drilling teams for some of the most challenging drilling conditions.
Based on Drilling Systems’ existing drilling simulation software, the iDrillSIM is already familiar to Noble’s instructors and personnel so adapting to specific well control scenarios, was a worthwhile effort.
Noble instructors created scenarios focussing on a variety of operational and well types. Some examples were kicks in a horizontal well, Severe losses in a horizontal well, kicks during the completion phase and a failed negative/inflow test. These scenarios allowed Noble’s teams to train with operational teams and collaborate before it was physically possible.
Noble instructor Chris McGehee explained the benefits: “We are currently mobilising for a number of drilling campaigns across the Western Hemisphere but we needed to ensure our crews were prepared beforehand. With global restrictions caused by Covid-19, it was a higher risk to bring everyone together to run through projects, so we decided to capitalise on the quarantine period to get everyone better prepared.
“The iDrillSIM allowed us to accomplish a considerable amount of preparation for teams who had never met before. We went above and beyond traditional well control certification training to provide focussed and relevant well control training, mirroring the field conditions we expected the teams might face. Everyone learned a lot about each other and left with new tools to add to their upcoming campaign.
“We were surprised and pleased with the amount we were able to get through without physically bringing our teams into our NobleAdvances training facility. As well as allowing us to look at specific problems in detail, the process brought up potential issues, which we were able to review and address before going into the field.
“The quarantine period became an asset for training time. It was such a worthwhile exercise that we see this type of training carrying on even after the pandemic. Noble Drilling operates all over the globe so virtual training which can be done remotely anytime, anywhere, to any number of individuals is extremely flexible and convenient. It will allow us to continue delivering the highest safety and competency levels for Noble personnel whatever the circumstances.”
“We are continuously working to improve virtual training solutions and provide flexibility in delivery methods based on any Pandemic related restrictions. The Noble L&D team is researching and testing the ability to use our current simulation equipment to deliver virtual training and/or a combination of virtual and in person training.
“In September of 2020 we successfully completed our first virtual competency assurance training event with a new customer. During this event we worked with rig and operator personnel while the crews were in quarantine. We delivered their requested Well Control scenarios in a virtual classroom environment on DS simulators and based the scenarios on actual Industry events. The training focused on new hire, well control, stuck pipe and extended reach drilling. We went above and beyond traditional certification training to provide focused and relevant training, mirroring the expected field conditions. The complete well construction teams were given new tools and common experiences to add to their process safety and upcoming campaign.
“These efforts demonstrate Noble’s commitment to our people and collaboration with our customers. They also demonstrate the service and commitment of Drilling Systems to provide training solutions that are fit for purpose and in line with Industry needs.”