Introduction 1.

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1.1

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................................................................................1.1
1.2 DRILLSIM OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................................1.1
1.2.1 Computer Equipment ................................................................................................................. 1.1
1.2.2 Simulation Control..................................................................................................................... 1.2
1.2.3 Diagnostic Software ................................................................................................................... 1.4
1.2.4 DrillSIM-5000 Standard Equipment .......................................................................................... 1.4
1.2.5 DrillSIM-5000 Optional Equipment .......................................................................................... 1.4
1.2.6 DrillSIM-500 Standard Equipment ............................................................................................ 1.4
1.2.7 DrillSIM-500 Optional Equipment ............................................................................................ 1.5
1.2.8 DrillSIM-50 Standard Equipment .............................................................................................. 1.5
1.2.9 DrillSIM 20 Standard Equipment .............................................................................................. 1.5
1.2.10 DrillSIM-5 Standard Equipment ................................................................................................ 1.6
1.3 OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY ...................................................................................................................1.7
1.3.1 Normal Operation ...................................................................................................................... 1.7
1.3.2 Operational Effects .................................................................................................................... 1.8
1.3.3 Operational Malfunctions .......................................................................................................... 1.8
1.4 USING THE TOUCH SCREEN ...................................................................................................................1.9

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Introduction 1.1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Information

This DrillSIM Reference Manual provides a definitive guide to the facilities of the
DrillSIM range of simulators. Where differences appear between the simulator models,
refer to the section reference for your model. Chapters 2-5 on the simulator start-up
and the instructor interface are designed to get the system up and running by providing
the basic operational skills necessary to accomplish the set-up of exercises and
operation of the simulator. Please take the time to read these chapters thoroughly and
use them as a reference. The Drilling Systems engineer conducting your initial
operational training programme will use the manual as a guide throughout his lectures
and demonstrations.

1.2 DrillSIM Overview

In the configuration delivered to your training centre, the DrillSIM simulator comes
equipped with a range of simulated consoles, equipment and manifolds closely
resembling those found on a modern drilling rig floor.

The consoles are manufactured using controls and instrumentation resembling those
used in operating field consoles. Realism is further enhanced by the use of digitally
reproduced sound effects, which are fully synchronised, with the various operational
activities of the simulator. A high resolution Colour Graphics Monitor provides the
trainee with a real time graphic representation of the movement of the Hoisting and
Rotary System equipment and other rig floor operations. The graphics are interactive
with the various Driller's controls and simulated rig equipment. A separate touch
screen Student Station has also been provided to allow the student to accomplish other
tasks that are not found on the drill floor, e.g. changing the Mud Weight.

1.2.1 Computer Equipment

Pre – 1996 models use a DEC MicroVAX 3100 as the simulator computer whereas the
current configuration of the DrillSIM-5000 utilises a DEC AlphaStation computer.
IBM PC compatibles (COMPAQ) are used for the Student station, graphics generation
and the instructor station. The DrillSIM-500 and 50 simulators employ a range of high
performance desktop and laptop PCs. Drilling Systems has selected these systems due
to service reliability and performance stability.

The DrillSIM system computer employs a mathematical model. The model simulates
the operation of rig equipment and downhole characteristics encountered in "real
world" situations. When the system is powered up the model is loaded from the hard
disk following login, in the case of the Rig Floor simulator that utilises a MicroVAX
or AlphaStation. For the DrillSIM-500 and 50, the model is automatically loaded into
the flash processor.

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Introduction 1.2

Signals initiated by the Trainee through interaction with various controls and switches
are fed to the Simulator Computer via an Input/Output Interface System. The Interface
System converts these signals so that they are meaningful to the Computer in order the
appropriate calculations can be carried out to predict the response of the process. The
resulting output is fed back via the Interface System to drive gauges, digital displays,
the graphics displays and the Sound Effects System to provide a realistic
representation to the Trainee's activities.

1.2.2 Simulation Control

The Instructor is able to control the simulator and monitor the Trainee’s performance
through all phases of an exercise.

The DrillSIM simulation software is a fully integrated modular package that is

designed to interact with the Trainees actions. The simulator software allows the
Trainee to observe the consequences of his actions just as they would occur in the
field. Several base-line exercises are supplied with the system, these include:
• Top Drive with Surface BOP
• Top Drive with Subsea BOP
• Kelly with Surface BOP
• Kelly with Subsea BOP
• Work-over
• Cementing
• Top Drive with Motion Compensator and Sub-sea BOP
• Kelly with Motion Compensator and Sub-sea BOP

These exercises should be used as reference points for starting or configuring new
exercises.

The set of initial conditions (well snapshots) provided with the DrillSIM simulator
provide all the necessary parameters to commence a wide variety of training exercises.
Having selected the desired well-snapshot or initial condition set, no further input is
required. No pre-programming is necessary. This leaves the Instructor free to monitor
Trainee performance. The Instructor can create new well snapshots at any time for use
in subsequent Trainee exercises.

No restrictions are placed on either Trainee or Instructor thereby allowing the Trainee
to select the desired response to a given situation or condition. The fully interactive
DrillSIM software model is unique in that neither a Trainee nor Instructor has to act in
any pre-defined sequence. Operational events such as stuck pipe or loss of circulation
occur as a result of Trainee action or pre-configured conditions of the wellbore
geology, thus allowing the Instructor to enforce particular operational drilling
problems for group training purposes.

In addition, the Instructor can change parameters of the exercise and introduce
simulated malfunction situations into the simulation exercise. Malfunctions such as
equipment failure or downhole problems can be pre-configured in the initial well

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Introduction 1.3

snapshot or changed during the simulation exercise. These malfunctions will then
interact with the software model to produce the appropriate effects on the simulation
instrumentation.

Repetition of the exercise will assist the Trainees in retaining the knowledge gained
throughout the simulation exercises. By placing the Trainees in simulated potentially
dangerous situations the Instructor has the opportunity to evaluate Trainee competence
when they are under pressure, this type of training develops the logical thought
process of the Trainee and builds confidence and troubleshooting skills to handle
similar situations in the field.

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Introduction 1.4

1.2.3 Diagnostic Software

The DrillSIM internal diagnostic software enables the Instructor to perform a full
range of tests of the various controls, gauges, lamps and switches on all the consoles.
Two versions of the diagnostic are available with MicroVAX/AlphaStation based
systems and one on the PC based systems.

1.2.4 DrillSIM-5000 Standard Equipment

The following lists the typical equipment and consoles that comprise the minimum
configuration of the DrillSIM-5000.
1) Drilling Gauges Console
2) Drilling Controls Console
3) Surface Blowout Preventer Control Console
4) Remote Choke Control Console
5) Standpipe Manifold
6) Choke Manifold
7) Colour Graphics Monitor for surface and down-hole displays
8) Student and Mud Station Colour Graphics monitor with Touch Screen
9) Session Plotter for recording drilling and well control data
10) Instructor Station, comprising a PC, Colour Monitor and Software
11) Sound System with sixteen digitally recorded, playback sounds

1.2.5 DrillSIM-5000 Optional Equipment

The following optional items are available and may be added to the standard system.
All have been developed and are installed at various sites around the world.
1. Subsea Blowout Preventer Control Console
2. Subsea Diverter Control Console
3. Surface Diverter Control Console
4. Drill String Compensator Control Console
5. Top Drive System
6. Workover Land Manifold
7. Well Services B.O.P.
8. Full Size Well Head & Production Tree
9. Cement Head
10. Cement Pumping Console
11. Workover Mimic Panel with Workover Manifold and Well Head and Production
Tree.
12. Rogalands VR Software.

1.2.6 DrillSIM-500 Standard Equipment

1) Drilling Controls Console & Gauges Console
2) Surface and Subsea Blowout Preventer & Diverter

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Introduction 1.5

3) Standpipe and Choke Manifolds

4) Workover Console
5) Choke Console
6) Kelly and Top Drive
7) Touch Screen Student and Graphics Station
8) Desktop PC
9) Colour Printer
10) Touch Screen Instructor Station

1.2.7 DrillSIM-500 Optional Equipment

1) Coiled Tubing Console
2) Wire Line Console
3) DST Console
4) VR Software

1.2.8 DrillSIM-50 Standard Equipment

1) Drilling Controls Console & Gauges Console

2) BOP Console with Subsea and Surface plug-in modules.
3) Standpipe and Choke Manifolds
4) Top Drive & Kelly System
5) Choke Panel
6) Touch Screen Student and Graphics Station
7) Laptop PC
8) Colour Printer
9) UPS

1.2.9 DrillSIM 20 Standard Equipment

1) Choke Panel
2) Pump controls Panel
3) Laptop PC
4) Touch Screen Student and Graphics Station
5) Colour Printer
6) UPS

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Introduction 1.6

1.2.10 DrillSIM-5 Standard Equipment

1) Virtual Choke Panel

2) Virtual Drawworks controls Panel
3) Virtual Surface or Subsea BOP Panel
4) Virtual Manifolds Panel
5) Software on CD
6) Instructors & Student Manuals

There is no actual hardware supplied with the DrillSIM-5, as it is a PC based version

of the Drilling & Well Control software.

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Introduction 1.7

1.3 Operational Capability

1.3.1 Normal Operation

The simulation equipment is capable of providing a Trainee with appropriate levels of
training in the drilling and well control operations necessary to drill a well down to a
depth of 50,000 ft. During use of the Simulator, basic and advanced training can be
given in:
1) Well Planning
2) Drilling Equipment Sizing and Performance
3) Hoisting System Operational Control
4) Rotating System Operational Control
5) Circulating System Operational Control
6) Blowout Prevention System Operational Control
7) Mud Treatment and Control
8) Drilling Practices
9) Tripping Practices
10) Running and Cementing Casing
11) Downhole Drilling and Equipment Problems
12) Pressure Testing
13) Blowout Prevention
14) Well Control
15) Downhole Well Control and Equipment Problems
16) Stripping Operations
17) Crew Supervision
And with additional options
1) Cementing Operations
2) Motion Compensator Operations
3) Work Over Operations

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Introduction 1.8

1.3.2 Operational Effects

During the course of an exercise, depending on the conditions selected, the Trainee
experiences combinations of the following effects:
1) Bit Wear.
2) Bit Bearing Wear.
3) Kicks from High Pressure Permeable Formations.
4) Pipe Surge and Swab.
5) Kicks while Tripping.
6) Multiple Kicks.
7) Lost Circulation.
8) Formation Fracture.
9) Underground Blowout.
10) Mud System Changes.
11) Motor Overload.
12) Pump Over Pressure.

1.3.3 Operational Malfunctions

In addition to the Operational Effects, the Instructor can introduce numerous
conditional malfunctions which fall into the following categories:
• Downhole
1) Bit
2) Lost Circulation
3) Stuck Pipe
4) Pipe Twist-off and Washout
5) Tight Hole

• Rig Equipment
1. Pumps
2. Hoisting
3. Rotary
4. Subsea BOP
5. Surface BOP
6. Choke

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Introduction 1.9

1.4 Using the Touch Screen

The Instructor Station and Mud Control Station may use a touch screen for data input.
A touch screen is a device that enables people to interact with computers in a simple,
natural way by touching the screen.

Point at the touch screen with one finger extended, and keep other fingers away from
the touch screen. Touch the screen slowly and firmly. If another finger besides your
working finger touches the screen this will cause a sudden jump of the cursor to a spot
halfway between the two touch points.

The simulator touch screens operate in “Lift-off Mode”. The initial touch locates the
cursor on the screen. You can move your finger around the screen to reposition the
cursor if desired. When you lift your finger off the screen a “Single Click” occurs at
that location. This allows a button to be selected by a single touch down and lift off.

Note: A touch screen should not be powered off unless the computer associated with
that touch screen is also powered off. Control of the computer from the touch screen
will stop if the touch screen is powered off. To re-establish control both the touch
screen AND computer will need to be restarted.

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